MLB Holds Steady on Pitch Timer Thresholds Despite Some Blowback

While MLB tweaks its pitch timer rules “on a daily basis” based on feedback from spring training games, it does not plan to adjust its two major thresholds: 15 seconds with the bases empty and 20 seconds with runners.

The pitch timer generally has been met with rave reviews by players and fans. The average spring training game includes a 12% increase in runs while taking 23 fewer minutes. Some players and staffs find the biggest adjustment comes from the 15-second clock with the bases empty. The hitter must in the box with his eyes directed toward the pitcher with a least eight seconds remaining.

The current pitch clock thresholds are apparently here to stay, though a league executive told Sports Illustrated there is communication about the new rule “on a daily basis.”

Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports