The Pace of Game rules approved in the Competition Committee (by a 7-4 vote), include a pitch clock, along with regulations that cover inning breaks, pitching changes, and time between batters. Violations of these regulations result in a ball/strike being called by the Home Plate Umpire, depending on whether the offensive team or defensive team committed the infraction.

 

• Time Between Innings

  • Local Broadcasts – 2:15

  • National Broadcasts – 2:40

  • Playoff Broadcasts – 3:10

 

• Time Between Batters

  • 30 seconds

  • Catcher must be in the Catcher’s Box at 10 seconds

  • Batter must be in the Box and attentive to the Pitcher at 8 seconds
     

• Time Between Pitches

  • 15 Seconds – Bases Empty

  • 20 Seconds – Runner(s) on Base

  • Clock stops when Pitcher begins motion to deliver the pitch

  • Catcher must be in the Catchers Box at 10 seconds

  • Batter must be in the Box and attentive to the Pitcher at 8 seconds

  • Batters limited to one timeout per plate appearance

  • Pitchers limited to two “disengagements from the rubber” per plate appearance.  Limits reset if runner advances during the at-bat.

 

• Exceptions

  • Umpires have the discretion and authority to reset the clock and grant additional time outs in instances of potential injury, objects thrown on the field, mishandling of the timer, and others.

 

• Penalty

  • If the Club on Offense violates the Pitch Timer Rules, an automatic strike is called.

  • If the Club on Defense violates the Pitch Timer Rules, an automatic ball is called.