A's pitcher Trevor May says anxiety worsened with MLB's new pitch clock, forcing him on IL

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Reliever Trevor May says Major League Baseball's new pitch clock rule has contributed to his anxiety, which has gotten bad enough that he has landed on the Oakland Athletics’ injured list. 

May, 33, became the third player this year to land on the IL with mental health issues. Colorado Rockies closer Daniel Bard and Detroit Tigers outfielder Austin Meadows are dealing with similar situations. 

During an interview with the Mercury News, May, who has previously dealt with anxiety on the mound, revealed that the pitch clock has had an impact on his mental state this season. 

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Trevor May, #65 of the Oakland Athletics, pitches during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at RingCentral Coliseum on March 30, 2023 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Angels 2-1. (Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)

"Before, I had this big strong dude, a guard, and anxiety was trying to get in the doorway and the guard wouldn’t let it," May said. "Now that anxiety is quick. The guard is too slow. The anxiety is just getting in there."

"We were told when we got up [to the majors], slow the game down, don’t let the game speed up on you. Now the game is literally speeding up. We can’t slow it down," he continued.

A'S PITCHER TREVOR MAY PLACED ON IL TO DEAL WITH ANXIETY

May used to step off the mound, take deep breaths and lock back in before throwing his next pitch if he felt his anxiety. However, with only 15 seconds with no one on base and 20 seconds with someone on, pitchers have had to speed up their deliveries. 

May’s stats took a big hit when he was not able to adjust