Manfred hopeful for CBA progress soon

TORONTO — Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed hope that negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement can conclude before free agency opens, and he added that he’d favor changes in the rule that allows rosters to be expanded in September.

Manfred, speaking Tuesday night before the American League Wild Card Game at Rogers Centre, also affirmed the importance Major League Baseball places on having a strong presence in Canada, and he said he believes Montreal is a strong candidate for potential expansion.

Manfred sees expanded rosters in September leading to an increase in the number of pitching changes, thereby impacting the pace of the game.

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“I don’t think 18 pitchers in a game is a good thing,” Manfred said, noting that any changes must be bargained. “September callups were a non-controversial item for many, many years. I think that the controversy has arisen because of the changes that have taken place in the game and the way the game’s played, particularly the use of so many relievers, so many matchups, has made …

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