MLB commissioner cites Mets' Bartolo Colon in arguing against adding DH

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred cited a novel reason for maintaining the status quo as far as the designated hitter rule in baseball.

The commissioner, speaking to reporters at Comerica Park in Detroit, said instituting the DH in the National League would cheat spectators of at-bats involving New York Mets right-hander Bartolo Colon.

"Not having National League pitchers hit would deprive us of the entertainment that Bartolo Colon has given us this year," Manfred said, according to MLB.com. "It's been a great source of entertainment for me. I don't know about for the rest of you, but it has been for me."

Colon's wild swings and occasional helmet-flying have become a source of big cheers for Mets fans at Citi Field during his two-year tenure with the club. Overall, he's a career .084 hitter, with just 15 hits in 179 at-bats, striking out 99 times. He's enjoyed a slight uptick this season, with three hits -- more than he had all of last season for New York -- in 21 at-bats.

More seriously, Manfred does not see any change to either league coming soon.

"I don't worry very much about the difference between the two leagues," the commissioner said, according to MLB.com. "I think part of that is a result of the fact that almost my entire history of watching the game there's been a difference between the two leagues, and it's something that you get used to.

"I also think the difference in the rules is a topic that people love to debate, and I am a huge believer in the idea that if people are talking about baseball, that's a good thing for us. In general, my approach is status quo on that issue."