Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Richard Bleier (35) delivers during a spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, in North Port, Fla. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Cal Conley of the Atlanta Braves thought he had just won the game with a two-out, bases-loaded walk-off walk on Saturday. He took a few steps toward first base, bat still in hand, when umpire John Libka jumped out from behind the plate and indicated strike three.
Game over. Conley couldn’t believe it. Neither could his teammates. Fans booed.
Welcome to 2023, where baseball’s new rules designed to improve pace of play are coming fast at everyone, particularly the players.