The current disabled list system has been in place for 26 years. In 1990, MLB had added a 60 day disabled list to go in conjunction with the already existing 15-day disabled list. This decision eliminated the 10, 21, and 30 day disabled lists. That system had been in place for 24 years. The change was made in 1990 to reflect the modern game. It’s time MLB made a change again to reflect the modern game as teams are far too often hamstrung by the 15 day disabled list constraints.

We’ve seen this be an issue year-in and year-out for the Mets.  This year is no different as it seems the Mets have played with a 22-24 man roster all year.

Recently, the Mets had Juan Lagares and Michael Conforto dealing with injuries.  Lagares had a torn ligament in his thumb while Conforto needed a cortisone injection.  Lagares’ injury was on June 5th, and he was limited to a brief appearance in three games.  He was scratched from the starting lineup a few times with his thumb injury flaring up pre-game.  This shortened the bench especially with Conforto dealing with his own issues.  In fact, Conforto was put in a position to play and pinch hit at times where he normally would’ve sat because Lagares’ injury was worse as evidenced by Lagares going on the DL while Conforto is still playing.

The Mets went with a short bench because 15 days is a long time. The Mets would rather sit Lagares and Conforto for a couple of games than lose them for a week or so while they are healthy and able to play. The end result is some players getting over extended and others being put in an unfamiliar position. Meanwhile, healthy minor leaguers don’t get a chance to play. There has to be a better system.

The Mets may now be in this situation with Wilmer Flores‘ hand. On Thursday, Flores got hit on the hand with a pitch.  The x-rays were negative, but it didn’t matter that much as Flores had to leave the game due to his inability to hold a bat.  He pinch hit Friday, and he meekly struck out.  There’s no telling what his availability will be tomorrow and the next week.  What we do know is the Mets will keep him off the disabled list for as long as they possibly can.

In fact, there is. Baseball actually has a seven-day disabled list. The only problem is that it is only reserved for concussions. Baseball should just expand the seven day disabled list to cover all injuries just like they do in the minor leagues.

The seven-day disabled list in the minor leagues works the same exact way the 15-day disabled list works in the majors. Once you put a player on the disabled list, that player is no longer available for seven days, and he can be replaced on the roster by another player in another level of the minor leagues.

This is exactly how the disabled list is supposed to work. It is supposed to permit a team to temporarily remove an injured player in the roster and replace him with a minor leaguer who is healthy and able to play. However, teams are reluctant to do that under the current 15-day disabled list structure.

It’s time baseball changes the rules to make it easier for teams to put players on the disabled list. This allows teams to play without a short bench or bullpen. This allows teams to not be forced to getting an injured player to play or have another player push past his normal limits. Furthermore, it creates a much better fan experience to see healthy and available players play in a major league game. It’s time for baseball to adopt the seven-day disabled list.