MLB decided to implement a series of rule changes ahead of the 2024 campaign.
The pitch clock will be reduced from 20 seconds to 18 when there are runners on base.
Additionally, the mound visits per team will be reduced from five to four per game, and the running lane at first base will be expanded to the infield grass.
The league has a never-ending quest to keep reducing the games’ average time, but might be being a little reckless here.
There was a spike in pitching injuries that might have a lot to do with less recovery time for hurlers after pitches, and they just made that time even shorter.
The MLB Players Association is clearly opposed to these changes and they let that be very clear.
“From MLBPA executive director Tony Clark: The players on the competition committee voted no on the rules changes implemented today. Because MLB has a majority of seats on the committee, the league’s preferences with rules changes will go through,” MLB insider Jeff Passan tweeted.
From MLBPA executive director Tony Clark: The players on the competition committee voted no on the rules changes implemented today. Because MLB has a majority of seats on the committee, the league’s preferences with rules changes will go through. pic.twitter.com/ZnSJO6NZEs
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2023
The union wrote that players think that the changes to the rules are “unnecessary” and “offer no meaningful benefits to fans, players, and the competition on the field”.
They said they will be focusing on studying the injury impacts of reduced recovery time, which is the concern that many players (and pitchers in particular) share.
The fact that players and owners are already having clear disagreements over the rules of the game and the intentions of each side is definitely disappointing.
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