Did MLB make any changes to pitch clock rules ahead of Opening Day? Unpacking latest clarification memos sent to all franchises

Major League Baseball has issued clarification memos to all franchises regarding slight changes to its new pitch clock rules for the upcoming 2023 season. The new mandates, which have already shaved 25 minutes off game times this spring, will remain largely the same. The league will continue with the current parameters of the pitch clock, which is set to 15 seconds with the bases empty and 20 seconds with runners on base. Plus, the hitter will be "alerted" in the batter's box when eight seconds remains.

MLB will not make significant alterations to the pitch clock rules, despite requests from players on the joint competition committee between the MLB Players Association and MLB. However, the clarification memos address more obscure issues and potential attempts to circumvent the rules.

Some pitchers had been taking advantage of the clock rules during spring training.

Pitch clock violations have dropped from 2.03 per game in the first week of spring training to 1.03 this week, according to the memo. The average spring training game time has fallen from three hours and one minute to two hours and 36 minutes.

The most significant change in the memo distributed on Wednesday is the league changing replay review rules on potential violations of the infield shift ban. On batted balls, only the positioning of the defending team can be challenged. The memo also addressed other issues, such as malfunctioning PitchCom units, which allow the pitcher and catcher to communicate electronically. Players must immediately inform umpires if there is a malfunction. The umpires can then grant time and stop the ticking clock.

What changes have been made with the pitch clock?

Other changes include the enforcement of new standards for bat boys and girls to help speed up the game, leniency for catchers who end an inning on base or at-bat, and placing the onus on hitters to restart the clock if they take a timeout. Hitters may call time once in an at-bat, and the clock will start only when the player is ready to resume play, indicated by informing the umpire.

Despite the slight changes, commissioner Rob Manfred said the league is prepared to make adjustments based on input. However, they want to see how the current rules play out over a period of adjustment in some regular-season games before making any significant alterations. The 2023 season starts on April 5, and fans are excited to see how the new pitch clock rules will affect game times and overall gameplay.

For more on the Pitch Clock and MLB’s new rules:

• New MLB Rules 2023: Explaining how Pitch Clock will result in a better viewing experience
• Rob Manfred comes under fire as he affirms no changes to the MLB pitch clock will occur anytime soon