Courtesy Runner Timing

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

A lot of teams will leave the catcher in until 2 outs occur (using the courtesy runner rule as it's meant to be used - to give them time to get the gear on and speed up the game).

I disagree that the rule was meant to speed up the game. If that was the case, why have a courtesy runner for the pitcher? Besides, the one-minute-between-innings rule is enough of a speed-up rule, and it behooves the umpire to enforce it to keep the game moving.

I believe the courtesy runner rule was intended to give the two players who typically work the hardest on defense an opportunity to rest while their team is at bat. That's why there's no restriction to using one with less than two outs.