When I was writing yesterday about the problems with the three batter minimum rule and how difficult it is to be a Major League pitcher I was reminded of a change Major League Baseball made before the 2021 season. Starting in 2021 the league put an increased emphasis on monitoring for foreign substances on the baseballs. Part of the league’s concern is pitchers gaining a competitive advantage by using substances to get a better grip on the ball. The argument from pitchers is that having maximum control of their pitches is important for safety. This of course raises the question: does this increased scrutiny mean more batters are being hit by pitches?
Major League Baseball might have a plunking problem - A Hunt and Peck
