Pitch clocks, limited shifts among changes

Major League Baseball is introducing some of its most radical rules next season, adopting a pitch clock and limiting defensive shifts after concluding modern analytics created a slower, less entertaining sport.

The decisions were announced Friday by the sport’s 11-man competition committee over the unanimous opposition of the panel’s four players. Commissioner Rob Manfred pushed for the innovations along with a management team that included former Boston and Chicago Cubs executive Theo Epstein, now a consultant.

“The influx of data in our industry have not improved the game from an aesthetic standpoint or from an entertainment standpoint,” Epstein said.

Players supported the third major initiative: larger bases that are expected to lessen injuries and lead to more stolen bases because of a decreased distance of 41⁄2 inches.

Manfred called the rules an attempt to “bring back the best form of baseball.”

“Number one, fans want games with better pace,” he said during a news conference. “Two, fans want more action, more balls in play. And three, fans want to see more of the athleticism of our great players.”

MLB to accept minor league union

MLB is ready to voluntarily accept the formation of a minor league union, a key step that will lead to collective bargaining and possibly a strike threat at the start of next season.

“We, I believe, notified the MLBPA today that we’re prepared to execute an agreement on voluntary recognition,” Manfred said during a news conference to announce the rules changes.

Major leaguers negotiated their first collective bargaining agreement in 1968. They have had nine work stoppages during a period of gains in which the big league average salary rose from $19,000 in 1967 to more than $4 million this year. Players on 40-man rosters on option to the minor leagues have been represented by the union since 1981.

The vast majority of minor leaguers have not previously been represented by the union, which intends to form a separate bargaining unit with its own dues and governance structure, such as player representatives and an executive board.

MLB raised weekly minimum salaries for minor leaguers last year to $400 at rookie and short-season levels, $500 at class A, $600 at double A and $700 at triple A. For players on option, the minimum is $57,200 per season for a first big league contract and $114,100 for later big league contracts.

In addition, MLB this year began requiring teams to provide housing for most minor leaguers.

Jackson retires

Edwin Jackson says 14 teams will be it. The welltraveled pitcher announced his retirement on his 39th birthday and the 19th anniversary of his debut.

Jackson broke in with the Dodgers in 2003, was an AllStar with Detroit in 2009, threw a no-hitter for Arizona in 2010 and pitched for a World Series champion St. Louis team in 2011.

Etc.

Tampa Bay shortstop Wander Franco was activated from the 10-day injured list after missing two months with a right hamate bone injury that required surgery . ... Milwaukee righthander Freddy Peralta (shoulder inflammation) was placed on the 15-day IL. ... Derek Jeter returned to Yankee Stadium five years after his No. 2 was retired and was honored for his induction to the Hall of Fame two years ago.