by Major League Baseball introduced new rules for the 2023 season in an effort to shorten games and increase the action.
Rule changes include a shot clock, larger bases, and a ban on defensive turns.
The shot clock is being tested in spring training and has yielded mixed opinions.
Gerrit Cole recently revealed his appreciation for the new watch.
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Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees celebrates closing out the top of the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1 of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 11, 2022 in New York. (Elsa/Getty Images)
Cole got his first chance to test the shot clock when he took the mound on Friday. His conclusion was that it would help get his pitches to the plate more quickly.
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“I’m excited. It’s going to be great. He’s faster, he gets home faster. It’s going to be awesome,” the veteran Yankees pitcher said.
The shot clock gives pitchers 30 seconds between batters to throw to the plate, 15 seconds between bases-empty pitches, and 20 seconds between pitches with runners on.
Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees pitches in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on August 9, 2022 in Seattle. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
The new rule has been an adjustment.
On Friday, New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer was balked after he attempted a fast pitch against the Washington Nationals.
Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees throws a pitch against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning of Game 4 of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field on October 16, 2022 in Cleveland. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
In the third inning, Scherzer was pitching to Victor Robles when the Nationals’ center fielder called timeout. Scherzer stayed on the rubber and threw a pitch as soon as the umpire indicated for the shot clock to be reset.
Scherzer was then called in for a balk.
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“He calls timeout, I come ready, I get the green light. I thought it was a fair pitch. He said no. We have to figure out where the line is,” Scherzer said.
