NEW YORK — Many of the maple baseball bats used in the minor leagues will be banned this season and the reason is safety.

Major League Baseball has been studying maple bats that shatter easily and endanger fans, players and umpires. New rules this year ban bats made of ultra-light maple that are more likely to break and send debris flying.
MLB sometimes implements a rule at the minor league level before it takes effect in the majors.
Also as part of baseball’s safety push, any big leaguer whose bat broke at least 10 times last year must consult with a panel of bat experts.