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The Official Site of Major League Baseball: Exploring Inactive Player Rosters
Inactive Rosters: A Comprehensive Overview
Major League Baseball (MLB) maintains a dynamic roster system that includes various categories for players who are not actively participating in games. These inactive rosters play a crucial role in managing player availability, roster flexibility, and injury recovery.
There are two primary types of inactive rosters: the 10-day injured list (IL-10) and the 60-day injured list (IL-60). These lists serve distinct purposes and have specific rules governing their use.
10-Day Injured List (IL-10)
Purpose:
The IL-10 is designed for players who are expected to miss a short period of time due to injury or illness. Players placed on the IL-10 are ineligible to participate in games for a minimum of 10 days.
Minimum Stay:
Players must remain on the IL-10 for a minimum of 10 days, regardless of their recovery status. However, they can be activated earlier if they are medically cleared to play.
Transaction Deadline:
Teams have until 4 pm ET on the day of the game to activate or transfer a player from the IL-10. Failure to do so will result in the player being ineligible for that game.
60-Day Injured List (IL-60)
Purpose:
The IL-60 is reserved for players who are expected to miss a significant amount of time due to a severe injury or illness. Players placed on the IL-60 are ineligible to participate in games for a minimum of 60 days.
Minimum Stay:
Players must remain on the IL-60 for a minimum of 60 days before they can be activated. There is no maximum time limit for players on the IL-60.
Transaction Deadline:
Unlike the IL-10, there is no specific transaction deadline for the IL-60. Teams have the flexibility to activate or transfer players from the IL-60 at any time.
Rehabilitation Assignments
Players on the IL can be assigned to a minor league team for rehabilitation games. This allows them to regain fitness and game readiness before returning to the active roster.
The length of a rehab assignment varies depending on the player's injury and recovery progress. However, players are limited to a maximum of 20 rehab games in the minors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can teams backdate a player's placement on the IL?
A: No, teams cannot backdate a player's placement on the IL. The date of placement is determined by the date the player is removed from the active roster.
Q: How does a player's salary affect their eligibility for the IL?
A: Players on the IL continue to receive their full salary, regardless of their length of stay.
Q: Can players be placed on the IL for non-injury reasons?
A: Yes, players can be placed on the IL for non-injury reasons, such as bereavement or personal leave.
Conclusion
MLB's inactive rosters play a vital role in managing player health, roster flexibility, and injury recovery. The 10-day IL and 60-day IL provide teams with options to address short-term and long-term player absences, ensuring the integrity of the game.
Understanding the nuances of these inactive rosters is crucial for fans, media, and baseball professionals alike. This comprehensive guide provides a thorough analysis of MLB's injured lists, empowering readers with valuable insights into this complex aspect of roster management.