Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says shortening the regular season is becoming a popular topic as players and owners prepare to negotiate a new labor deal.

In his first year on the job, Manfred was at Minute Maid Park before Wednesday night’s game between the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros as part of an effort to meet with players from all 30 teams. He also spoke with reporters about several issues, including Pete Rose, pace of play, domestic violence and the designated hitter.

Manfred says reducing the number of games in a season would have economic and competitive ramifications, but the topic is receiving more attention than it ever has.

He noted that playing 162 games in 183 days is tough on players.