What Is MVR In Baseball?

MVR stands for “Mound Visits Remaining.” It’s an MLB rule that puts a cap on the number of times team members (coaching staff, catcher, players…, etc.) can interrupt the game and approach the pitcher’s mound without forcing the pitcher to leave the game.

The limit of the mound visits is one per inning. If the same pitcher is visited more than once in one inning, they must be removed from the game and replaced with another. The time limit for the visit is 30 seconds, starting from the moment the visitor exits the dugout and the visit has been granted by the umpire.

Of course, there are circumstances when the staff is permitted to visit the pitcher without being charged with one, such as an injury to the pitcher or a foul tip to the catcher.

The purpose of the coach’s visit to the pitcher is to discuss the strategy, share important notices, or determine whether the pitcher needs substitution. The visit is concluded when the visitor leaves the circle surrounding the pitching rubber. The limit of the visits is five for the whole game in a duration of nine innings. The team receives an additional visit for every extra inning that is being played.

The MVR rule, introduced to enhance the pace of the game, has been a success, and no issues have been reported. Prior to 2016, there was no time limit on visits. Then, a 30-second cap was implemented. In 2018, the number of mound visits was six, and in 2019, it was reduced to five visits for nine innings. 

The change in the time limit and the number of permitted visits has only showcased the team members’ adaptability. To minimize visits, they have ingeniously incorporated wristbands and cards in their hats with game plans.

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