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MLB allows interpreters on mound but some pitchers might get shut out anyway

TAMPA, Fla. - Major League Baseball has a new rule that allows interpreters to join managers and coaches on the mound when pitchers aren't fluent in English.
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FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2013 file photo, Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen, center, listens to manager Buck Showalter, left, as interpreter Tim Lin, right, looks on during a baseball spring training workout in Sarasota, Fla. A new rule in Major League Baseball that lets interpreters join managers and coaches on the mound when pitchers aren't fluent in English might still need some tweaking. The rule has already been used in spring training. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

TAMPA, Fla. - Major League Baseball has a new rule that allows interpreters to join managers and coaches on the mound when pitchers aren't fluent in English.

Even though it has already been used in spring training, the rule might still need some tweaking.

Asian players, like Yu Darvish, are routinely provided translators by their teams. But Latino players rarely receive the same benefit.

Most baseball teams don't have a full-time Latino translator. New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera is among the players who say a teammate or coach should be permitted to fill that role if needed.

Currently, only people who are employed full time by teams as interpreters are allowed on the field.