The subject of pace is an interesting one. Since 2008, the first year for which data was fully available the MLB average time per pitch has increased from 22.7 to 25.6 seconds per pitch. That adds up, extending the average game by about 141⁄2 minutes. As noted, the D-backs starters are the slowest in the league, though the relievers are only third-slowest. Generally, bullpen arms take longer: slightly more than an additional second per pitch (25.5 seconds vs. 24.4) on average. But here are the “sloth rankings” on the D-backs, first for the starting pitchers, and then for the relievers:
- Zac Gallen - 29.