The MLB competition committee is already looking to tweak its newest rule with the pitch clock, though specifics have not been released, according to The Athletic.
The Major League Baseball Players Association suggested changes, but it will be up to MLB to ultimately decide next steps. Let’s hope the changes, if any, are minor because the pitch clock makes sense.
Effective starting with spring training, MLB instituted a pitch clock and banned the shift. The shift ban aims to help put more balls in play and increase offense beyond the home run.
The purpose of the clock is to speed the game. A pitcher gets 15 seconds to deliver a pitch with nobody on and 20 seconds with runners on. Hitters must be in the batter’s box and ready to hit by the time the clock reaches eight seconds. If not, batters are charged with an automatic strike. A hitter gets one timeout per plate appearance.
Overall, the changes have been positive, with the pitch clock shaving nearly a half hour from the average spring training game time (three hours to 2 hours, 36 minutes). As expected, the new rule has created a few awkward moments, such as batter being called out because he wasn’t ready to hit in time.
