Astros' lineup of mostly minor leaguers completed spring training opener without a pitch...
Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez runs the bases during spring training workouts at the Astros spring training complex at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023 in West Palm Beach .WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Dusty Baker spent his Saturday fixated on the scoreboard in right center field. Underneath a beer advertisement sat baseball’s solution to its languid pace of play, perhaps the most consequential on-field rule change during Baker’s lengthy managerial tenure.
No Astro allowed it to expire. The team completed its spring training opener without a pitch clock violation, but the accomplishment does come with a caveat. Baker played a lineup of mostly minor leaguers, who spent last season living the reality that their big league brethren will now face. More concern in Astros camp centers around the hitters, who must be in the batter’s box and engaged with the pitcher before the clock reaches eight seconds. Atlanta Braves prospect Cal Conley did not during the ninth inning of his team’s Cactus League game against the Boston Red Sox. With a full count and the bases loaded, the umpire called an automatic strike against Conley, ending the game.
Abreu was the Astros’ only everyday player in Saturday’s lineup. Far more intrigue will arise when Jose Altuve and Kyle Tucker get into games. Both step out of the batter’s box and have lengthy routines between pitches — habits they must now break.
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