Are MLB’s new rules going to make a better product on the field?
The new rules being rolled out by MLB this season has certainly be scrutinized, but MLB insider Bob Nightengale explains why it should result in a better product on the field.
Sports Seriously, USA TODAY
We have baseball’s newest trivia question.
Who committed baseball’s first-ever pitch-clock violation in 2023?
Answer: Starting pitcher Marcus Stroman of the Chicago Cubs against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field.
With no outs in the bottom of the third inning, Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich was at the plate with a 1-2 count and rookie Brice Turang on second base. As the 20-second pitch clock ran out, home plate umpire Ron Kulpa stood up and pointed to his wrist to announce the violation, and the automatic ball made it a 2-2 count against Yelich. He went on to walk on five pitches.
“It’s tough, this pitch clock. It’s a big adjustment,” Stroman said after the Cubs’ 4-
Shortly after, in the New York Yankees-San Francisco opener, Giants first baseman J.D. Davis was dinged for taking too long to get set in the batters box. He was given an automatic strike to go down 0-1 and struck out.
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“You got to be looking at the clock. You’re trying to worry about the pitch. You’re trying to worry about the guys on base. You’re trying to worry about your grip,” Stroman said after the game. “There’s so many things going on now.
“So it definitely adds another layer to the game that’s tough, to be honest with you. It’s definitely not easy to be a pitcher out there and to feel rushed at times.”
MLB introduced the pitch clock this season to speed the pace of play. Players have 30 seconds to resume play between batters. Between pitches, pitchers have 15 seconds with nobody on and 20 seconds if there is a baserunner. Batters must be in the box and alert to the pitcher with at least eight seconds on the clock.
Other rule changes this year include bigger bases and restrictions on infield shifting.
Contributing: AP
