Spring training baseball stands out for its blend of casual competition and vital preparation ahead of the regular season. Many fans attending these exhibition games—or watching from home—quickly notice that the length of spring training games often differs from what is seen during the main season. This naturally leads to a common question: how many innings are played, and what rules shape the structure of these preseason matchups?
While the nine innings format found in regular games seems set in stone, spring training brings far more flexibility. Here is an exploration of how many innings typically make up spring training baseball, and why this adaptable approach exists.
What determines the number of innings?
Unlike standard major league games, which consistently last the full regulation length of nine innings, spring training contests operate under their own guidelines. This difference stems from the unique goals of these games. Teams focus less on final scores and more on player evaluation, conditioning, and testing new strategies.
This need for adaptability has given spring training its signature variability—a feature shaped by decisions made between managers before each contest begins. So, what are the main factors influencing how many innings are played in these exhibitions?
Mutual agreement of managers
A central reason for the variety in game format comes down to the mutual agreement of managers. Before first pitch, managers may decide together whether the contest will go seven innings or even just five innings, depending on roster needs or weather conditions. The option to adjust the number of innings helps teams keep players healthy and fresh throughout March.
These agreements often reflect pitcher workloads for both clubs. When teams want to limit stress on starting arms or provide extra opportunities for young prospects, it is not uncommon to shorten the game—even mid-contest if necessary.
Official guidelines for spring exhibitions
The official league policy offers some flexibility when setting the length of spring training games. In recent years, especially after certain health measures, games could be scheduled for fewer than nine innings if both managers agreed. Plans might start with seven innings, but ongoing communication between frames can lead to further adjustments based on immediate needs.
During times of heightened public health concerns, exhibition games could be trimmed to five innings or extended to a full nine, showing maximum adaptability according to day-to-day circumstances.
How are shortened games decided?
Managers meet before or during the contest to discuss possible changes to game format. This practice emerged as a way to keep players fresh, ensure ample playing time for those competing for roster spots, and minimize unnecessary risk of injury.
If fatigue, weather, or other factors become issues, games can be shortened at any point without penalty or impact on team records, since outcomes do not affect league standings. Occasionally, even scheduled seven-inning affairs may end early if both clubs agree there is no benefit in continuing.
The logistics behind shortening games
When managers choose to reduce the game’s length, they communicate with umpires and official scorers so everyone stays informed. Sometimes, teams arrive already knowing the contest will last only seven innings. Other times, decisions happen quickly due to player exits, incoming storms, or unforeseen events during play.
Such arrangements are especially frequent as camps near opening day, when front-line starters see limited action and coaches prefer not to overwork bench players.
Why extra innings are not played
One distinct aspect of spring training is that extra innings are not played. Since these are exhibition games with no bearing on regular season results, there is little motivation to continue past a tie after the scheduled regulation length. Once the planned number of innings is completed, even if there is no winner, both teams simply leave the field.
Avoiding extra innings helps reduce the wear and tear that long games can cause during the regular season. Clubs place high value on conserving energy ahead of the actual campaign.
Comparing spring training to regular season
For those used to traditional baseball formats, seeing games stop after seven innings—or sometimes even five—can be surprising. In regular season play, nine innings is always the standard except in cases of weather suspensions or similar extenuating circumstances.
Spring’s variable approach gives coaches a chance to rotate players without sticking to a fixed timeline. With development and safety coming first, this flexible method suits the evolving needs of teams and individuals aiming for roster spots.
- Most regular season games feature nine innings without exception.
- Spring training often uses seven innings or, occasionally, just five innings by design.
- Games can be shortened at any time based on mutual agreement of managers.
- Extra innings not played unless special arrangements are made for additional practice.
- Each exhibition game is tailored to the club’s immediate goals.
Length of spring training games in recent seasons
In previous decades, most spring exhibitions aimed to mimic the nine innings of the regular calendar. However, that trend shifted as organizations updated their strategies. From 2020 to 2023, it became routine for games to last only seven innings as managers adapted to unusual schedules and changing health environments.
Current guidelines allow for significant creativity, resulting in a patchwork schedule where one matchup might go the classic distance while another ends after just a few hours and fewer innings. Fans attending spring facilities now expect this variety and view the evolving game format as part of spring training’s unique appeal.