Major League Baseball would be making small adjustments to the new rules; including the pitching clock. However, it will not alter the substantive content of recent ordinances, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
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According to a memo obtained by ESPN on Wednesday and reviewed by the aforementioned journalist, MLB and the Players Union requested several changes regarding this aspect. Additionally, it was revealed by a media source that this is the fifth that MLB has sent to the teams this spring, being known as "clarification memos."
The pitch clock parameters would remain as they were intended: 15 seconds with the bases clean and 20 seconds with runners on the pads, in addition to the batter in the imperative to be "alert" and in the batter's box when eight seconds remain in the game. the stopwatch. However, MLB would like to address possible attempts to circumvent the rules.
“For one, we are prepared to make adjustments based on input,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said Tuesday. "On the other hand, we want to give you a chance to see exactly how it plays out during an adjustment period in some regular-season games before we make significant changes."
However, pitch clock violations are down significantly from the first week, and in line with testing conducted in the minor leagues last season. Going from 2.03 penalties per game to 1.03 this week according to the document. Similarly, the length of play in spring training was reduced from 3:01 last year to 2:36 this year.
Review opportunity in case of poor training
Meanwhile, the letter explains that the teams would have the opportunity to request a review in the event that after an out, there are possible violations regarding the regulations that prohibit special formations in the infield, for example: that a player has the feet on the outfield grass before starting the play. If the challenge was successful, the out would be denied and the batter returned to the plate.
Other topics addressed were the change of the PitchCom; device that allows electronic communication between the pitcher and the catcher, in the event of a breakdown, and provided that the shotgunner promptly informs the umpires.
Additionally, new quality standards for bat boys and bat girls would be contemplated, and leniency in the event that pitchers, catchers and batters make "extra efforts" to meet the clock.
