Commissioner Rob Manfred says proposed rules changes to speed pace of play will be in place by the start of big league exhibition games on Feb. 23.
The commissioner hoped for an agreement with the Players Association but has the right to implement last offseason’s proposal to install 20-second pitch clocks and institute stricter limits on mound visits. MLB made a proposal to the union to abandon a pitch clock for this season as part of a three-year phase-in of new rules.
While MLB could decide to implement a pitch clock or harsher mound visit limits and not both, severing part of the proposal could trigger a grievance by the union that would leave a decision to an arbitrator.