With the start of spring training games, we’re finally getting a chance to see how the new rules MLB put in place are impacting the game, especially the pace of play.
The pitch clock is especially changing things.
If a pitcher is not ready to deliver his pitch or a hitter is not in the box by the time there are eight seconds left on the clock, either an automatic ball or strike will be called, depending on who violated the rule.
During Tuesday’s game against the Washington Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals reliever Giovanny Gallegos was dinged for a pitch clock violation.
However, his manager, Oliver Marmol, was pleased with the way he bounced back from the issue and made a quick adjustment to remedy what took place.
Oli Marmol said postgame that he thought Gallegos' made an "awesome" adjustment to the pitch timer. Noted the violation came right after a play where Gallegos was covering third. Other than that, the coaching staff was impressed on how Gallegos' pace and adjustment. #STLCards https://t.co/GyR1FJfqus
— Katie Woo (@katiejwoo) February 28, 2023
Gallegos is one of several pitchers who is going to have to make adjustments.
He does on average pitch at a much slower pace than most pitchers.
As Katie Woo of The Athletic notes in the above tweet, the violation came after a play in which Gallegos was covering third base.
But it appears that Marmol and the Cardinals coaching staff were impressed with how the right-hander adjusted to the pitch clock and was able to quickly regain his focus.
Gallegos will certainly be challenged by the new rules and will be forced to make some adjustments on the fly this year.
Fortunately, spring training is in its infancy stages and there is plenty of time for Gallegos to work through any issues with the pitch clock.
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