What happens if the pitch clock runs out? Penalties for batter and pitcher timer violations explored

When the MLB announced that a pitch clock would be enacted ahead of the 2023 season, the league must have known that there would be some controversy.

Along with other measures (such as larger base sizes and a partial ban on defensive shifts), the pitch clock is seen as a valid way to reduce game times and stimulate exciting, offensive plays.

With the average MLB game lasting over three hours last year, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred's special competition committee suggested steps to shorten games. Under the new pitch clock, a pitcher will only have fifteen seconds to deliver this pitch, or twenty seconds if there is a runner on base. Likewise, the hitter must be ready to hit by the eight-second mark of the clock.

"Here's what the timer was showing" - Codify

The rules surrounding the violation of the clock are simple. If a batter violates the clock, a strike will be counted against him. If a pitcher violates the clock, a ball will be added to the count.

So far in the preseason, there have been several clips of pitchers and hitters alike becoming accustomed to the clock. When San Diego Padres star Manny Machado failed to assume the batting position by the eight-second mark against the Seattle Mariners, a strike was called against him.

"Now that we got our first look at the pitch clock, we see our first clock infraction. Manny Machado started off his at-bat, 0-1 because he took too long to get into the box" - Talkin' Baseball

Afterwards, the third baseman quipped that he would be starting with a lot of counts "down 0-1" throughout the 2023 season.

Some traditionalists are skeptical of the clock, and believe that it undermines the cat-and-mouse game that defines baseball. Meanwhile, high-profile players like Max Scherzer have come out in support of the clock, saying it will be advantageous for pitchers like himself.

The pitch clock is likely not going anywhere

Although at this point, the pitch clock is little more than an awkward distraction for many, it may seem less out-of-place with time.

Regardless of what fans and players think, the MLB has already announced that they have no intent on changing the rules regarding the clock ahead of opening day.

This will very likely be a part of the game that future generations will know no alternative to.