MLB union rips decision to shorten pitch clock time, says players expressed concerns

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Major League Baseball's decision to reduce the game's pitch clock by two seconds with runners on base was premature, the players' union contends.

Tony Clark, executive director of the MLBPA, suggested conversations about the pitch clock were shorter than they should have been.

"That's a conversation that should have warranted a much longer dialogue than what we had," Clark said via The Associated Press. He also noted that some players expressed concerns about the shortened clock when they learned about the proposal. 

"We voiced those concerns, players voiced those concerns, and yet, the push through of the change to the pitch clock still happened."

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The pitch clock ticks down in the top of the ninth in a game between the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies in Arlington, Texas, April 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Emil T. Lippe, File)

The pitch clock, along with limits on infield shifts and several other rules, was adopted ahead of the start of the 2023 season. It gave pitchers 15 seconds to start their motion if there are no baserunners and 20 seconds with someone aboard.

The clock is shortening this season to 18 seconds from 20 with men on base and will stay at 15 seconds with no one on.

Game time averages dropped considerably in 2023 as a result of the pitch clock. Major league games were cut by an average of 24 minutes, the quickest games have been finished since 1984.

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The clock, adopted over the objection of player representatives on the competition committee, was considered a huge success, and the