CBS Sports columnist calls for removal of combined no-hitters from MLB records
Opinion piece cites Houston Astros outing and 2020 rule inconsistencies to propose stricter definition for official no-hitters
A CBS Sports columnist has published an opinion piece arguing that combined no-hitters should be removed from Major League Baseball’s official record books. The commentary, published on 26 May 2026, follows the Houston Astros’ three-pitcher combined no-hitter, which marked the first such feat in the league since September 2024.
The author contends that the historical significance of the achievement diminishes once the starting pitcher is removed from the game. Snyder argues that relievers enter with fresh arms and face hitters who have not yet seen their pitching, creating an uneven dynamic that undermines the difficulty of the original accomplishment.
Citing the Astros’ recent performance, the columnist noted that starter Tatsuya Imai completed only six scoreless innings, issuing four walks and recording two strikeouts before being relieved. Snyder contrasted this with Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski’s seven-inning performance against the Cardinals, which included 12 strikeouts and 57 pitches at 100 miles per hour or faster, suggesting the latter was a more impressive individual feat.
The article highlights inconsistencies in MLB’s current standards, referencing the 2020 rule change regarding seven-inning doubleheaders. Snyder pointed out that the Commissioner’s Office ruled seven-inning no-hitters did not count as official at that time, yet Imai’s six-inning start is now credited toward a no-hitter. The columnist also noted that Madison Bumgarner’s zero-hit seven-inning complete game in 2020 did not qualify, creating a disparity in how the league records these events.
With 327 no-hitters recorded in MLB history, including 22 combined efforts, Snyder proposes a stricter definition for the record books. The author asserts that only a starting pitcher completing a full nine-inning game without allowing a hit should be recognised as a no-hitter, arguing that once the starter exits, the team’s ability to prevent hits should no longer be monitored for historical credit.
