HOUSTON, TX (SPORTSRADIO 610) - MLB announced on Friday that it will implement a 20-second pitch count clock during Spring Training.
MLB officially announces the implementation of a 20-second pitch clock during spring games. Here’s the full release with details: pic.twitter.com/E0478l9pn8
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand)
February 22, 2019 The the first Spring Training games, the clock will operate as normal, but there will be no enforcment of the rules with hopes the umpires and players will be familiar with the new system.
The clock will start when the pitcher receives the ball from the catcher. The batter will be expected to be in the box with five seconds left of the clock. A pitcher must have started his delivery before the clock expires or face potential ball-or-strike penalties. The clock will not be used on the first pitch of any at-bat.
Later in Spring Training, after negotiations with MLB Players Association, umpires will start assessing ball-strike penalties for violations.
While MLB commissioner, Rob Manfred, said that he would like to see a similar pitch clock for the regular season games, MLB stated, “no decision has been made on whether the timer will be used in regular season games.”
Of note: in its press release for the spring pitch clock, MLB says “no decision has been made on whether the timer will be used in regular season games.”
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand)
February 22, 2019
