All articles tagged with #pitch timer
MLB nine-inning games are about six minutes longer this season (2:43 vs 2:37) due to a mix of factors. ABS challenges add roughly 63 seconds per game, but most of the increase comes from more pitches per game, more batter timeouts, and teams using dugout pitch calls, plus pitchers leveraging the timer to disrupt hitters. The trend reflects a combination of strategic adjustments and the evolving timing rules, not a single culprit.
Major League Baseball's competition committee has approved several rule changes for the 2024 season, including reducing the pitch timer by two seconds to 18 seconds with men on base and widening the runner's lane to first base. Other changes aim to improve the pace of the game, such as reducing mound visits from five to four per game and requiring pitchers who warm up at the start of an inning to face at least one batter. The pitch timer will now reset after a dead ball, and the clock will reset to 2:00 during pitching changes if it is under two minutes. These changes follow the success of previous rule changes in 2023, which resulted in a 24-minute decrease in average game times.
The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) is urging the league to soften the pitch timer rule before the playoffs, suggesting adjustments that would provide extra time in high-leverage moments. However, Commissioner Rob Manfred is inclined to keep the current rule in place, stating that the postseason should be played the same way as the regular season. Both sides will continue discussions, but the players are concerned about their input being considered. Additionally, Manfred mentioned that a challenge system for balls and strikes is more likely to be implemented than a fully automated system, and MLB is still working on developing a tacky ball for pitchers.
Former Dodger Cody Bellinger received a pitch clock violation during his return to Dodger Stadium as a member of the Chicago Cubs, despite receiving a standing ovation from the LA crowd. The new pitch timer rules have largely been successful in speeding up games and adding more offense, but there have been some quirks and puzzling moments.
The Cleveland Guardians won five of their first seven games on the road against Seattle and Oakland. The pitch timer was a winner for the Guardians, as it caused James Karinchak to struggle in his first outing. The Guardians' players have been successful in stealing bases, with Myles Straw leading the way. Straw also made a sensational catch in center field, while Josh Bell has struggled at the plate. The Guardians' rookies in the bullpen have been impressive, while Cleveland's starters have had mixed results.
San Diego Padres player Manny Machado became the first MLB player to be ejected for arguing a violation of the new pitch timer rule. Machado tried to call a timeout while adjusting his gloves, but the umpire ruled he had called it after the eight-second mark, resulting in a strikeout. The new rules are designed to speed up play, with batters having to be ready for a pitch with eight seconds left on the timer, and pitchers having 15 seconds to complete a delivery with bases empty and 20 seconds with runners on bases.
Major League Baseball implemented new rules for the 2023 season, including a pitch timer, defensive positioning restrictions, and larger bases. On Opening Day, the average length of games was down by 18 minutes, and teams attempted 1.53 stolen bases per game, up from 0.67 last season. There were 14 pitch-timer violations, and Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers lost a chance for one more swing due to a violation. The Mets committed the oddest violation when umpire Larry Vanover charged Jeff McNeil with a strike after Pete Alonso took too long to return to first base following a foul ball.
Major League Baseball is making slight adjustments to the new pitch timer, with the core pitch timer rules remaining unchanged. The adjustments include giving the pitcher more time to return to the mound after being involved in a defensive play and giving the catcher additional time to put on his gear. The league will also evaluate bat boys and bat girls. The average time of game is 2:36 this spring, down from 3:01 last spring. Pitch timer violations have gradually declined.