Major League Baseball competition committee to vote on rules changes Friday with eye on quickening pace of play, sources say

The Major League Baseball competition committee is set to vote on Friday on rule changes that would begin in 2023 which include a first ever pitch clock, the elimination of the shift, bigger bases and a limit to how many times a pitcher can disengage from the rubber, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The goal is to increase action on the field, quicken the pace and reduce the amount of time it takes to play a major league game. The rules changes are expected to pass and include the following:

• A 15 second pitch clock with the bases empty and a 20 second clock with runners on.

• Two disengagements from the rubber — which includes pick-off attempts — per plate appearance.

• A requirement by hitters to be in the batter's box and 'alert' with 8 seconds to go on the clock. Hitters are allowed one timeout per plate appearance.

• Only two infielders will be allowed on each side of second base with all four required to be on the dirt (or inner grass).

• Infielders cannot position themselves on the outfield grass before the pitch is thrown.

• Bases will increase in size from 15 square inches to 18.

Major League Baseball is reacting to extensive research they've done through fan and player surveys over the last several years while testing the changes at all levels of the minor leagues. With technological advancements for pitching and defense over the last decade, the league believes the changes are a way of evening the playing field for hitters while making it a more entertaining product in the form of returning defensive athleticism to the game.

Pitch Clock

The clock will start when the pitcher receives the ball from his catcher or the umpire — and play is ready to resume. Most of the time, that's after every