Baseball strategy for new fans: bunts, stolen bases, bullpen use and the shift

Outs are the currency

The sacrifice bunt

• What it is. The batter taps the ball softly to deliberately make an out while moving a runner up a base.
• When it is used. Late in a close game when one run matters, with a weaker hitter at the plate, or to move a runner from first to second so that a single can score him.
• Why it is less common now. Modern analysis suggests that in most situations giving up an out lowers the expected number of runs. Teams now bunt mainly in specific late-game spots.
• The bunt for a hit is different. A fast batter bunts to reach base himself, often against fielders playing deep.

Stolen bases

• What it is. A runner sets off as the pitcher delivers and tries to reach the next base before the catcher's throw.
• The calculation. A steal is only worth trying if it succeeds often enough, because being caught wipes out a runner and adds an out.
• Why steals have risen. Since 2023 the bases are bigger and pitchers are limited in how often they can throw over or step off. Runners can take bigger leads, and stolen bases rose sharply.
• The hit and run. The runner goes on the pitch and the batter must swing to protect him, aiming to put the ball in play behind the runner.

Bullpen use

• The starter typically pitches until he tires or the lineup has seen him several times. Batters improve each time they face the same pitcher in a game.
• Relief pitchers come in from the bullpen. Teams often keep their best relievers for the highest-pressure moments rather than a fixed inning.
• The closer usually pitches the ninth inning to protect a narrow lead.
• Matchups. Managers like a left-handed pitcher against a left-handed batter, since breaking balls move away from same-side hitters. The three-batter minimum rule limits this, as a new pitcher must face at least three batters or end the inning.
• The opener. Some teams start a reliever for an inning, then bring in a pitcher who would normally start, to avoid the top of the order seeing him first.

The shift and fielding positions

• The old shift. Teams once moved three infielders to one side against pull hitters.
• The current rule. Since 2023, two infielders must stand on each side of second base, with all four on the infield dirt when the pitch is thrown.
• What teams still do. Fielders can still shade towards one side within those limits, and outfielders can position themselves wherever they like.
• Infield in. With a runner on third and fewer than two outs, infielders may play close to cut off the run at home, at the cost of letting more balls through.

Other choices to watch

• The intentional walk. Giving a dangerous hitter first base on purpose, often to set up a double play or face a weaker batter.
• Pinch hitters and runners. Sending in a fresh player for a key moment.
• Pitch selection in the count. Each count changes what both sides expect.