automatic runner

American  

[aw-tuh-mat-ik ruhn-er] / ˈɔ təˌmæt ɪk ˈrʌn ər /

noun

Baseball, Softball.

1. Also called ghost runner.  a runner who is automatically placed on second base at the beginning of each half of an extra inning, before any pitch is thrown.

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Etymology

Origin of automatic runner

First recorded in 1980–85; added to Major League Baseball rules of play in 2020

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

automatic runner

With automatic runner Jason Heyward on second to start the bottom of the 10th, Kiké Hernández popped a bunt attempt to the catcher.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2024

With automatic runner Will Smith at second, Max Muncy was intentionally walked to open the 11th.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 4, 2024

He gave up an infield single to Blackmon that moved Jacob Stallings, the automatic runner, to third base.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 21, 2024

The Mariners appeared to have picked off automatic runner Tim Anderson at second when Cal Raleigh fired down to Crawford after a pitch from Justin Topa.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 23, 2023

With Bo Bichette on second base as the automatic runner in the 10th, Belt hit a liner into the right-field seats for his 14th homer, the third in two games.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 22, 2023