Is it time for MLB to consider a mercy rule in light of the Dodgers demolishing of the Braves?

The Dodgers beatdown of the Braves in Game 3 of the NLCS is an argument for a mercy rule in the MLB.

Should there be a mercy rule in Major League Baseball?

Wednesday’s one-sided affair between the Dodgers and Braves during Game 3 of the NLCS was as good an argument for one as any.

After the Dodgers unloaded with 11 runs including three home runs in the first inning, the game was pretty much over. A second-inning home run from Cody Bellinger and a three-run third inning which featured a Corey Seager home and brought to score to 15-0 only reinforced the point.

The Dodgers runs explosion might have had the Braves wishing for a mercy rule

In international baseball, there is a mercy rule. It applies when one team is up by 10 runs and can be used to end the game at the end of the seventh inning.

The Braves would still have to sit through the indignity of six more innings after that historically bad first inning, but at least it would have been over quicker.

Practically, the mercy rule would have been a big help for Atlanta on the pitching front. The Braves had early discussions with infielder Charlie Culberson about taking the mound in a bid to save arms in the bullpen.

If the plan is to have infielders pitching, then what is the point of continuing the game through nine innings when the only things to be gained are injuries?

That’s not to say having a mercy rule is the best idea.

The biggest problem with a mercy rule is the message it sends for the losing team. A manager who invokes the rule is essentially telling his players they couldn’t possibly pull off a comeback.

In the context of Wednesday night’s game, a comeback may be unexpected, but far from impossible. Just over a month ago, the Braves scored 29 runs in a game. That game on Sept. 9 against the Marlins included an 11-run inning for Atlanta.