MLB commissioner says NL teams may be more receptive to DH

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred says National League teams may be more receptive to the designated hitter than in the past, even though owners ended two days of meetings without any serious discussion about expanding use of the DH.

A decline in offense and injuries to pitchers while hitting have stirred speculation the NL might be ready to embrace the designated hitter.

Last week, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said there was more momentum lately for the DH in the NL. But owners weren't inclined to consider a change when they met this week.

That doesn't mean there won't be conversations. Baseball is in the final year of its collective bargaining agreement between owners and players, and the union has favored expansion of the DH.