INNOVATIONS BEING TESTED

At least nine other changes, directed by MLB, are now in play:

◆ Pitchers must step off the rubber to make a pickoff attempt.

◆ Batters are allowed one foul bunt with two strikes.

◆ Batters can steal first base on any pitch not caught by the catcher.

◆ Checked-swing calls are supposed to be “more batter friendly.”

◆ Bases are larger (18 inches square, up from 15).

◆ No mound visits by players or coaches other than for pitching changes or in case of possible injury.

◆ No infield shifting (two infielders must be positioned on each side of second base).

◆ Time between innings reduced by 20 seconds, to 1 minute 45 seconds.

◆ Pitchers must face at least three batters or reach the end of an inning before they can leave the game, except in cases of injury. (The Class AA and AAA levels of the affiliated minors also use this rule.)