As Friar Nation gets fired up for Opening Day on Thursday, some fans may notice things are a little different on the field this season.
This year, Major League Baseball instituted three big rule changes to make the game even more exciting. The rule changes include a pitch clock, a ban on defensive shifts and bigger bases.Pitch Timer: To make the game go faster, a 30-second timer between batters and 20 seconds with runners on. The hitter gets one timeout per plate appearance and is limited to two pickoff attempts.
Shift Restrictions: Two infielders must be positioned on either the 2B when released, and all four infielders must have both feet within the infield. Bigger Bases: 1B, 2B and 3B have increased from 15” square to 18” square . The larger bases are expected to aid player health and promote an uptick in aggressive baserunning.On Feb. 24, during a Spring Training game, Padres' All-Star slugger, Manny Manchado, was the first player to be called out for the violation. He wasn’t fully in the batter’s box and facing Seattle Mariners left-hander Robbie Ray as the 15-second clock wound under eight seconds in the bottom of the first inning.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Are Major League Baseball’s new rules ready for the opening day curtain?Major League Baseball's new rules for 2023 have cut 25 minutes off spring training games. Are they ready for The Show?
Read more »
New snacks unveiled, including first-ever vegan options, ahead of opening day at Citizens Bank ParkWhile fans get ready to kick off this new season and cheer on the Phillies, there will also be some new ballpark food to round out the peanuts and cracker jacks.
Read more »
6-year-old Mariners fan practices running bases ahead of Opening DayThe Seattle Mariners are days away from their home opener and for one local fan, his wishes are already coming true. FOX13
Read more »
Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups: Priority adds ahead of 2023 MLB Opening DayWe understand many of you consider the act of drafting a player in fantasy baseball to be some sort of binding commitment — not quite an oath sworn in blood, but close. You would never dream of dropping a player on Wednesday if you just drafted them on Sunday.
Read more »
Astros announce roster moves ahead of opening dayRoster moves highlighted Monday afternoon at Minute Maid Park as the Astros paired down their roster ahead of Thursday’s opening night against the Chicago White Sox.
Read more »
Homeless advocates critical of sweeps around Coors Field ahead of Rockies Opening DayPreparations are well underway outside Coors Field as Opening Day approaches for the Colorado Rockies. But there’s one act that's drawing harsh criticism. via RussellHaythorn
Read more »