I’m sure you guys know about the new defensive shift rule:
The defensive shift rule states that a team must have two fielders stationed completely on either side of second base when a pitch is thrown. A team must also have a minimum of four players with their feet on the outer boundary of the infield dirt.
Now for one I didn’t know about which is about pace of play and this stuff gets sillier and sillier to me:
“A pitcher will be able to step off the mound for a pickoff or any other reason a maximum of twice per plate appearance. The limit resets if the runner advances via steal, wild pitch or passed ball.
A pitcher can attempt a third pickoff but if it doesn’t result in an out, it is an automatic balk.”
Other new rules:
**Pitch Clock**
A pitcher will have a 15-second limit to deliver a pitch with the bases empty, 20 seconds with the bases occupied. If a pitcher violates the rule, he is charged with an automatic ball. If a batter violates the rule by not having both feet set in the batter’s box in the required time, he will be dealt an automatic strike.
Mound visits will also be limited to 30 seconds from the time the manager or pitching coach leaves the dugout.
**Bigger Bases**
Bases will increase in size from 15 inches square to 18 inches. The theory is that this will help prevent injury and give base-stealers a slight advantage.
[https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-2023-rule-changes-pitch-timer-larger-bases-shifts](https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-2023-rule-changes-pitch-timer-larger-bases-shifts)
Anyone know if the Ghost running is back? All I found is that it’s ‘likely’ back:
[https://www.redlegnation.com/2022/10/29/rob-manfred-the-ghost-runner-rule-will-likely-remain-in-place/](https://www.redlegnation.com/2022/10/29/rob-manfred-the-ghost-runner-rule-will-likely-remain-in-place/)