What is the three-batter minimum for pitchers?

Under Rule 5.10(g) of the 2026 Official Baseball Rules, a starting or relief pitcher must pitch to a minimum of three consecutive batters, including the batter at bat when he enters, until those batters are put out or reach first base, or until the offensive team is put out. The rule makes an exception for a pitcher who is injured or ill and, in the umpire-in-chief's judgment, cannot continue pitching.

A batter counts toward the three only once his plate appearance is complete, which happens when he is put out or becomes a runner.

MLB also explains that a pitcher who faces one batter to end an inning may be removed, but if he is brought back for a later inning he must still face two more batters, for a total of three.

Sources: 2026 Official Baseball Rules, Rule 5.10(g); MLB, Three-batter Minimum (mlb.com/glossary/rules/three-batter-minimum).