SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.–Think the runner on second has picked a few signs? Time for a mound visit.
That same player has a big lead and he’s contemplating stealing third? Jog on in and let the pitcher know.
Thanks to new rules instituted by Major League Baseball, the era of casual conversation at the pitcher’s mound is over. On Monday, Commissioner Rob Manfred introduced new pace of play rules for the 2018 season including a directive that limits teams to just six mound visits per game.
Each additional trip to the center of the diamond –whether it comes from a manager, pitching coach or even a second baseman– will require a pitching change.