Pitch Timer

What is the Pitch Timer?

The pitch timer, a.k.a. the pitch clock, is a clock that counts the amount of time it takes for a pitcher to deliver the pitch to the hitter, making sure that the pitch is thrown within a specific amount of time.

Currently, that amount of time depends on the situation. The pitcher has a 15-second timer with the bases empty and a 20-second timer with runners on base. Additionally, there is a 30-second timer between batters.

If the pitcher violates the pitch clock, the umpire charges a ball. Conversely, if a batter violates the rule by stepping out, the ump charges a strike. The timer resets if a pitcher steps off to throw to a base with runners on, but the pitcher is limited to two disengagements per plate appearance.

How is the Pitch Timer used?

The pitch timer is a new tool developed by MLB to increase the pace of play of games. For most of the 2000s, game times had been creeping up, as the emphasis on strikeouts and walks led to longer plate appearances and stretched the length of games.

MLB began seriously considering a pitch clock in 2014, when it experimented with one at the Arizona Fall League. In 2019, it was tried in Spring Training and in 2021, it was implemented in Low A to measure the impact over an entire season.

After a successful trial, the pitch timer was added to all the minor leagues in 2022 and has been a part of major league play since 2023.

How to see the Pitch Timer?

All ballparks now have a clock near home plate showing the pitch timer.

Pitch Timer Examples

Because the penalty for a pitch clock violation is a ball, it is possible for a team to win or lose a game on a walkoff pitch clock violation.

For one example, check out the end of this Rockies-Nationals game

Filed under Terms