Major League Baseball

Report: MLB studying DL for concussions

Published Oct. 22, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

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Major League Baseball is looking into the creation of a seven-day disabled list for teams to use in the event that a player sustains a concussion, MLB.com reported Friday.

The issue is set to be debated by a special committee that is reviewing the impact of head injuries in baseball. If the panel recommends the change, it would have to be approved by Commissioner Bud Selig and the players union.

Currently, the minimum disabled list stint for a player is 15 days.

"According to medical experts, most concussions suffered by players resolve within four to six days," said a document provided by the commissioner's office. "By creating a seven-day DL, clubs can replace the players while they recover, and any incentive to rush the player back because the club is playing short is eliminated."

The handling of concussions has come to the forefront this week because of a spate of helmet-to-helmet hits in the NFL. Leagues have been forced to take a closer look at how they deal with and attempt to prevent head injuries after studies linked multiple concussions to health problems later in life.

Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau suffered a concussion July 7 in a slide into second base. He was never able to return for the team — which made the playoffs —- because of lingering post-concussion symptoms, including dizziness, nausea and lack of focus.