Major League Baseball announced Monday some changes to improve the pace of play during games.
A proposed change by MLB earlier this offseason was potentially implementing a pitch clock, though no such rule will be present in 2018.
However, the most prominent rule put forth is a limit in mound visits. A team is limited to six mound visits per a nine inning game. If the game should go into extra-innings, each team is entitled to one non-pitching change mound visit per inning.
A mound visit will be defined by a manager or coach making a trip to confer with the pitcher, as well as a position player leaving their station to meet with the pitcher.
Additionally, a pitcher will still need to be removed after the second trip to the mound by a coach or manager.
Major League Baseball will also reduce down time between innings to 2:05 during locally televised regular season games, 2:25 during nationally televised regular season games and 2:55 during tiebreaker and postseason games.
“I am pleased that we were able to reach an understanding with the Players Association to take concrete steps to address pace of play with the cooperation of players,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said. “My strong preference is to continue to have ongoing dialogue with players on this topic to find mutually acceptable solutions.”
To see the complete changes in pace of play for this season, follow this link.
