MLB pitch clock rules for 2023, explained: How it works, penalties for a violation and more to know
MLB is introducing some big rule changes in 2023, but none will change the game more drastically than pitch clock.
The pitch clock is a rule added to address game pacing issues in MLB. The average game time in MLB last season was three hours and six minutes, marking the eleventh straight year that game times have averaged more than three hours. Prior to 2011, per Baseball Reference in 2000, only one game had averaged more than three hours.
The pitch timer has already been implemented in the minor leagues and the biggest benefit is that it achieves its goal of shortening the games. Minor league games lasted an average of two hours and 38 minutes in 2022, up from three hours and three minutes in 2021, according to ESPN.
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MLB is targeting that reduction in 2023. Here’s what you should know about the pitch clock and what we’ll see in games.
How will the MLB pitch clock work in 2023?
MLB has different pitch clock time limits depending on the situation. They are:
- 15 seconds with no runners on base.
- 20 seconds with runners on.
- 30 seconds between beats.
Batters must be in the batter’s box ready to bat with eight seconds remaining and catchers must be in the catcher’s box with nine seconds remaining.
Pitchers must be in their leg kick when pitch clock reaches zero.
What are the penalties for disobeying the pitch clock?
The penalties for violating the pitch clock aren’t particularly severe, but they can have a major impact on an at-bat.
When a pitcher achieves full motion to reach zero, the batter is awarded an automatic ball. The same goes for a catcher who is out of the box by nine seconds.
If a batsman is not ready after eight seconds, an automatic shot will be scored.
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What are the timeout rules for pitchers and batters?
Pitchers are allowed two disengagements per plate appearance. A disengagement is either a pickoff mound or a hill climb.
Pitchers must ask for a new ball within eight seconds on the clock and may be penalized for asking repeatedly.
Batters also receive one timeout per at-bat.
By how much time does the field clock shorten the games?
Obviously, MLB fans will have to figure out the answer to that question as the season progresses, but minor league baseball has given a good indication of what to expect.
In MiLB, games were reduced by 25 minutes from three hours and three minutes in 2021 to two hours and 38 minutes in 2022.
MLB is targeting a similar reduction in 2023 as three hours remains roughly the average playing time.
Can referees control the pitch clock?
It is at the discretion of the umpires to change the pitch clock as needed.
Injuries are the obvious reason to extend a timer, e.g. B. when a batter is hit and goes down or a catcher takes a foul ball from a bad spot.
If a field player makes a play that puts him significantly out of position, that can also be a reason to lengthen the clock.
Ultimately, common sense will come down to when to increase the time on the watch.
Are unusual jug deliveries legal?
MLB says pitchers are still encouraged to be weird with their deliveries if that’s part of their game, but that’s only true in some cases.
The Astros’ Luis Garcia, for example, will no longer be able to do his “Rock the Baby” windup as it ultimately prohibits him from going into his leg kick before the clock hits zero.
However, the Yankees’ Nestor Cortes can still pull off his wobbly leg kick since he’s already in his motion at the time. The ball doesn’t have to travel to the plate when the clock is down to zero. The pitcher just needs to be in motion.