DH in both leagues 'gaining momentum' among players, says MLBPA boss Tony Clark

MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark said Tuesday that the idea of a universal DH is “gaining momentum” among players.

"Players are talking about it more than they have in the past," Clark told the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in Washington, D.C., according to MLB.com.

The designated hitter, of course, only currently exists in the American League, and an extension of the rule would mean pitchers no longer hitting for National League teams — a move many believe would enhance MLB’s overall product, considering pitchers are striking out in more than 40% of their at-bats this season.

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Commissioner Rob Manfred, though, doesn’t see a change happening soon.

"The most likely outcome remains the status quo,” Manfred said at the All-Star Game festivities, according to the L.A. Times.

"If you get rid of the DH in the National League, there is a brand of baseball that is done,” Manfred added, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. “I think there is going to be some hesitation with respect to that."