Pitch Clock Rules

Between Inning Breaks

Inning breaks will be two minutes, 25 seconds. The pitcher must begin his wind-up or begin the motion to come to the set position at any point within the last 20 seconds of the 2:25 break. Should the pitcher fail to begin his wind-up or begin the motion to come to the set position in the last 20 seconds of the inning break, the batter will begin the atbat with a 1-0 count. Should the batter fail to be in the batter’s box and alert to the pitcher with five or more seconds remaining on the inning break timer, the batter will begin the at-bat with a 0-1 count.

Pitching Changes

The pitching change timer shall be two minutes, 25 seconds and begin as soon as the relief pitcher crosses the warning track (or foul line for on-field bullpens) to enter the game. Should the pitcher fail to begin his wind-up or begin the motion to come to the set position in the last 20 seconds of the pitching change break, the batter will begin the at-bat with a 1-0 count. Should the batter fail to be in the batter’s box and alert to the pitcher with five or more seconds remaining on the pitching change timer, the batter will begin the atbat with a 0-1 count.

Pitch Timer

Pitchers will be allowed 20 seconds to begin their windup or the motion to come to the set position. The pitcher does not necessarily have to release the ball within 20 seconds, but must begin his wind-up or begin the motion to come to the set position to comply with the 20-second rule. For the first pitch of an at-bat (after the first batter), a 30-second timer shall start immediately following the conclusion of the previous play.