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MLB is making sweeping changes to some of baseball's rules this year, and one of the most important is the inclusion of the MLB pitch clock. The timer is set to limit pitchers to 15 seconds before they have to throw, or 20 if there's a runner on base.
The pace of play for baseball has gotten increasingly slower as the years have gone on. The average game now takes over three hours to complete.
On average, a game lasts three hours and six minutes. That's a standard, nine-inning game. With no half-time or intermission, that's a long time for a sporting event.
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The MLB pitch clock is the premier rule change designed to combat that very phenomenon, but how effective will it be?
It all depends on the game, as some pitchers won't need to adjust at all, while others may be forced to speed up significantly.
On average, though, the MLB pitch clock shaved off 25 minutes of game time in the minor leagues, where the new rule was initially tested. That would put average games at a brisk two-hour and 40 minute pace.
MLB is obviously hoping for similar results, which would make an MLB game significantly shorter and more easily digested by fans. Commissioner Rob Manfred has been all about broadening the game's fandom and this is perhaps a big step towards that.
MLB pitch clock: How does it work?
The MLB pitch timer will begin counting down when a pitcher receives the ball back from his catcher. From there, they will have 15 seconds to pitch, or 20 if there's a runner on base.
Should they not meet this timer, whether because they needed to step off to reset or because they weren't paying attention, an automatic ball will be applied.
A 3-2 count could result in a walk without a pitch being thrown if the pitcher can't adhere to the pitch clock.
Additionally, MLB hitters must adhere. They need to be in the batter's box and ready with at least eight seconds remaining on the clock so they can give the pitcher time to go through his motion and throw.
