The new pitch clock MLB is implementing for the 2023 season (and beyond) has brought some issues for some hurlers that haven’t been able to adjust after a life of taking their time.
Pitchers will now have 15 seconds between pitches with the bases empty, and 20 with men on base.
If don’t start their delivery before that time, they will have a ball added to the count.
It’s part of a recent strategy by MLB to speed up the game’s pace and reduce time.
Both are working, with spring games rarely approaching three hours.
While there are hurlers who have failed to properly adjust to the clock, New York Yankees reliever Wandy Peralta is certainly not one of them.
In fact, we might just have witnessed the fastest strikeout of the year on Thursday.
Wandy Peralta has no problem with the new MLB pitch clock ⏲️
Behold, a strikeout in 20 seconds!
📽️: @JomboyMediapic.twitter.com/5VVzA74SLI
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 2, 2023
20 seconds were enough for Peralta, a talented lefty bullpen piece who had a 2.72 ERA with the Yanks last year, to completely humiliate a hitter.
Three pitches, three strikes.
Of course, not every pitcher is used to working this fast, but this at-bat is a reminder that there shouldn’t be any issues with the pitch clock in a matter of weeks.
Pitchers are being given more than enough time to throw their offerings to the batter.
If you watch closely, Peralta pitched around the 10-11 second mark.
That means he still had 10 seconds, at least, but didn’t need it.
It may seem like too little time, but 15 and 20 seconds should be enough for most.
For now, let’s just admire how Peralta not only prepared his pitches with time to spare, but also showed elite movement and command.
It was truly impressive.
NEXT: Yankees Manager Reveals 2023 IKF Update
