Major League Baseball’s Commissioner Rob Manfred and the Competition Committee voted Sept. 9, to implement a pitch clock with the objective of shaving 20 to 30 minutes off of a three to four hour game.
The pitch clock is a timer set at 15 seconds with the bases empty, 20 seconds with runners on base and 30 seconds in between at bats. The clock starts as soon as the pitcher catches the ball from the catcher, according to CBS Sports. Violations by the pitcher are an automatic ball and, by the hitter, an automatic strike.