The shot clock is just one of the new MLB rules that have been enacted by commissioner Bob Manfred’s 11-man competition panel ahead of the 2023 season.
The shot clock aims to reduce the average length of games in 2023. With the average contest lasting more than three hours last season, the league was desperate to find ways to increase the excitement and, by extension, the participation of the fans.
“We have our first game that ends in an automatic strike shot clock violation.” – MLB Metrics
Under the new rules, pitchers have 15 seconds from the time the batter approaches to throw their pitch. If there are runners on base, the pitcher’s timer increases to 20 seconds. On the other hand, the batter must be ready to swing when the clock reaches the eight second mark.
San Diego Padres star Manny Machado was one of the first players in 2023 spring training to fall victim to this new MLB feature. In a recent game against the Seattle Mariners, Machado failed to assume the ready position after eight seconds and was penalized a strike.
“Manny Machado talks about being the first player to receive a shot clock violation. ‘I could be down 0-1 many times this year'” – Talkin’ Baseball
Moments like Machado’s have been recurring in the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues, and have understandably drawn the ire of fans and players alike. Cristian Javier of the Houston Astros even talked about how he has had to significantly adjust his pitching due to the new rules.
However, an MLB analyst tells them not to be too quick to condemn the new regulation. Speaking in a recent article for CBS Sports, well-known MLB writer Rob Snyder said:
“It may seem like the shot clock is a total clown show, but that’s only because the hiccups have gotten all the attention on social media.”
Snyder noted that 12 seconds should be enough for a hitter to assume the ready position. He went on to condemn hitters for “doing nothing” and praised how the shot clock will force hitters to “get in the damn box.”
Although it’s a big change, fans will likely get used to the MLB shot clock.
While the shot clock goes against the ritualistic nature of a warmup for hitters and hitters alike, there is a clear consensus among league executives that steps must be taken to stimulate the offense and shorten games. The shot clock will take some getting used to, but it’s part of our game now.