Major League Baseball has implemented a new rule that will help players avoid pitch clock violations if they take extra time to acknowledge a standing ovation from fans.
Seattle Mariners outfielder Teoscar Hernandez received a warm reception from fans at the Rogers Centre prior to his first at-bat in his team’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. Hernandez played for the Blue Jays for six seasons before being traded to Seattle, which is why fans in Toronto wanted to acknowledge his contributions to the team.
Though he did not step into the batter’s box with at least 8 seconds on the pitch clock, Hernandez was not called for a violation. Blue Jays manager John Schneider revealed after the game that teams can submit a request to MLB 24 hours in advance if they know a player is going to potentially receive an ovation.
