Watch: Royals beat shift ban with 'two-man outfield'

How the Royals defense decided to line up for the start of the frame was certainly risky -- leaving the left field completely vacant and deep right field open as well -- but if there were ever a batter to try the strategy on, Corey Seager is a pretty good guinea pig. The power-hitting infielder is one of the heaviest pull hitters in baseball and Kansas City starter Zack Greinke is typically a good ground ball pitcher as well.

The new shift restrictions figure to help pull hitters like Seager in 2023 and the early returns for the three-time All-Star are promising. Seager is off to a 12-for-37 start, good for a .324 batting average.

Under the new rules, teams need to have two fielders on each side of second base with both of their feet remaining on the infield dirt, though the outfielders can be lined up anywhere.

The Boston Red Sox were among the teams to test out the "two-man outfield" in March during spring training, though the strategy didn't end up making a difference, as Joey Gallo of the Minnesota Twins drew a walk.