Clippers say they’re ready to roll under new rules

In the months between the final out of 2017 and the start of spring training, the game the Columbus Clippers have played since they were kneehigh morphed into something out of a mad scientist’s laboratory.

The man in the white lab coat, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, has decreasing the time of games at the top of his to-do list. Several of his experiments will play out in the minor leagues this season.

Clippers players must adjust to a pitch clock that has shrunk to 15 seconds from 20 with no runners on base, the insertion of a runner on second base to start each half-inning in extra innings and a limit of six visits to the mound in seven- and nine-inning games. Pitching changes do not count as a visit.

There will be a grace period between Friday’s opener at Indianapolis and April 19, when umpires will give warnings for pitch-clock violations.

“This is something we’re going to talk about in detail, but we’re going to play the game like we always have,” Clippers manager Chris Tremie said. “I don’t think the pitch clock is going to be too big a factor, and neither will the visits to the mound.”

But having a runner at second base to start extra innings has Tremie’s attention.

Would Tremie try to bunt the runner to third, or have the batter try to hit the ball to the right side? Unless there is a pinch-runner, the last batter from the previous inning starts on second base.

“That’s a good question,” he said. “That’s going to be a factor in deciding games. I do see some positives when it comes to shortening games and saving your bullpen. I think you are going to see a little bit of everything, but that most managers will play it as if they are in the ninth inning.”

Mark down catcher Eric Haase as being in favor of shortening extra-inning games. He once played 18 innings in class-A.

“That kind of forces the issue a little bit, and I like it,” he said. “We had a runner start at second in Little League, and that’s a throwback for us. I’m all down for having ties in the minor leagues. It can save wear and tear on you, and we’re here (to be fresh and healthy) for the big-league team.”

Reliever Louis Head said he will treat having a runner on second as though he had given up a leadoff double, but should the runner score, it would be an unearned run in the official stats.

“You compete like you do all the time,” he said. “Teams are probably going to use strategy such as moving the runner over with a bunt. I’ve been in 17- and 18-inning games, and it’s a grind. In doubleA, we had five straight extra-inning games and our bullpen was worn out. This can save arms. I think they are looking out for our safety.”

With pitch-clock violations, a ball will be charged to a pitcher who goes past 15 seconds and a strike will be called on batters who aren’t ready to hit with seven seconds left. The clock will be 20 seconds with runners on base.

“There won’t be any more human rain delays, but 15 seconds is not that big a deal for me,” starting pitcher Adam Plutko said. “I like to work fast anyway. I’ve been charged a ball once, and that was when the catcher and me weren’t on the same page with a runner on second base.”