Miami Marlins Ace Joins Shohei Ohtani Atop Notable Injury List as Rob Manfred’s New Rules Cause Widespread Bullpen Woes

In the ever-changing landscape of baseball, not all innovations are as beneficial as they seem. Though mostly, technologies and rules are mostly introduced to improve the games, sometimes they turn out to be harmful. The Pitch Clock Rule of MLB can be taken as an ideal example of it. The introduction of the Pitch Clock rule in MLB has unintended consequences. While the rule got several protests from every side, Rob Manfred listened to nothing. Now, the players, especially the pitchers, are paying the cost.

While implementing several new rules before the 2023 MLB season, the authorities added the Pitch Clock that initially they thought would improve the game experience. But is it really serving the purpose? Regardless of whether it’s improving experience or not, it keeps on affecting the pitchers throughout the season. Most importantly, due to the rule, even players got pre-mature season endings. After Shohei Ohtani, another pitcher joined the list.

Pitch Clock Gives a Blow To Miami Marlins

In baseball games, where pitching is already a tough job, this new rule made it further complicated. While the Japanese star has already been on the injured list, fighting with uncertainties to return to his pitching career, another ace joined him. A recent Twitter list shows the name of the injured pitcher who must go through TJ surgery. While it has several names, the top slots are for Ohtani and Sandy Alcantara. The latter also has a torn UCL that requires TJ surgery. With it, he will also miss the 2024 season.

The Pitch Clock rule got massive protests from the players, fans, and even coaches. But Manfred didn’t listen to anything before introducing the rule. He was determined to shorten the games to attract more audience. The initial plan was noble. He was trying to make things less time-consuming and engaging by lessening the time players waste in the field. This rule was a tasted one in minor leagues, but it turned out pathetically harmful in MLB.

The rule says when there are no baserunners, pitchers are given a 15-second window between pitches, which extends to 20 seconds when there is a baserunner. However, the pitcher must be faster and initiate the delivery before the allotted time ends. Violation of the rule has strict consequences. While the Hitters adjusted to it, this backfired badly for the pitchers. Even after so many issues, still, the reports say that the MLB authorities have no plans to withdraw this rule.

Read More: Amidst Heavy Pitch Clock Criticism, Another Set of New Rules Fails to Impress the MLB Community

The Authorities Still Stick to Their Points

Well, there’s still no news about that. No MLB officials ever said that they would abolish the rule due to these consequences. Their initial target is achieved as the rule has shortened the MLB games. So, they will probably stick to it and wait for the players to get used to the new rule. However, about the negative consequences, there’s a total silence. So, only time can tell what MLB will do with it.

What do you think will Pitcher become accustomed to the Pitch Clock? Share your thoughts with us.

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