Starting in 2023, MLB plans to implement the pitch clock at the majors, after several months of trials in the minors.
Most pitchers are strongly opposed to the idea, but the league is determined to implement it, as they are worried about the current pace of play.
MLB insider Jon Heyman recently noted some early results regarding the use of the pitch clock in the minors.
He seems to indicate that the league sees it as a success.
“The pitch clock is a big success on an experimental basis in the minors. Games w/o pitch timers r averaging 2:59, games w/pitch timers 2:35, MLB is reporting now at the owners meetings. There’s been only 0.6 violations per game. MLB hopes to implement clocks in majors next year,” Heyman tweeted.
The pitch clock is a big success on an experimental basis in the minors. Games w/o pitch timers r averaging 2:59, games w/pitch timers 2:35, MLB is reporting now at the owners meetings. There’s been only 0.6 violations per game. MLB hopes to implement clocks in majors next year.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) June 14, 2022
How The Pitch Clock Works
MLB pitchers will have, starting next year, 14 seconds to start their windup when no runners are on base.
The number will go up to 18 seconds with runners on base.
In the specific case of the batter, he will have nine seconds to be ready in the batter’s box, or the umpire can rule add a strike to the count.
When the pitcher starts his windup, the clock disappears.
If the clock runs down before the pitcher starts his windup, the umpire can add a ball to the count.
Many pitchers have expressed their disagreement with the implementation of the pitch clock at the MLB level.
However, the league seems fixated on the idea of cutting some of the play time and making the game quicker to keep fans engaged.
Judging from the data Heyman is providing, it appears that the league’s objective is being fulfilled: games are quicker and shorter.
Are pitchers happy, though?
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