Baseball games presumably will be played at a faster pace this season, thanks to changes announced by Commissioner Rob Manfred on Monday.
Fans who detest the thought of a pitch clock can rejoice. There won’t be one in 2018, but other changes will be added to hurry the pace, which dragged last season as games averaged a record 3 hours, 5 minutes and 11 seconds — 4 1/2 minutes longer than in 2016.
Mound visits will be limited, and the time allotted for pitching changes and inning breaks will be reduced.
“I am pleased that we were able to reach an understanding with the Players Association to take concrete steps to address pace of play with the cooperation of players,” Manfred said.