The pitch clock is just one of the new MLB rules that have been enacted by commissioner Bob Manfred’s 11-man competition panel prior to the 2023 season.
The pitch clock is aimed at reducing the average length of games in 2023. With the average contest lasting over three hours last season, the league was desperate to find ways to bolster excitement and, by extension, fan engagement.
“We have our first game ending in a automatic strike pitch clock violation.” – MLB Metrics
Under the new rules, pitchers have 15 seconds from when the batter steps up to deliver their pitch. If there are runners on base, the pitcher’s timer rises to 20 seconds. Coversely, the batter must be ready to swing when the clock reaches the eight-second mark.
San Diego Padres star Manny Machado was one of the first players in 2023 spring training to fall victim to this brand-new MLB feature. In a recent game against the Seattle Mariners, Machado failed to assume the ready position at the eight-second mark and was penalized with a strike.
“Manny Machado talks about being the first player to have a pitch clock violation called on them. ‘I might be 0-1 down a lot this year'” – Talkin’ Baseball
Moments like Machado’s have been recurring around Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues, and have understandably provoked the ire of fans and players alike. Cristian Javier of the Houston Astros even spoke about how he has had to significantly adjust his delivery on account of the new rules.
However, one MLB analyst is telling them not to be too hasty in their condemnation of the new regulation. Speaking in a recent article for CBS Sports, well-known MLB writer Rob Snyder said:
“It may seem like the pitch clock is a total clown show, but that’s only because the hiccups have gotten all the attention on social media.”
Snyder made the point that 12 seconds should be enough for a batter to assume the ready position. He continued to condemn batters for “doing nothing” and lauded how the pitch clock will force batters to “get in the damn box.”
Although a big change, fans will likely get used to the MLB pitch clock
While the pitch clock goes against the ritualistic nature of a warmup for batters and hitters alike, there is a clear consensus among league executives that measures need to be taken to spur offense and shorten games. The pitch clock will take some getting used to, but it’s part of our game now.
