Mets, rest of the big leagues get first look at pitch clock during spring openers

PORT ST. LUCIE — Spring training baseball games opened up this weekend, and for fake games there sure was a lot of fanfare. This weekend marked the start of a new era in baseball as the league began implementing new rules, most notably the pitch clock.

In order to prevent circumvention of the timer, there are rules limiting how many times a pitcher can “disengage” by stepping off the rubber and throwing over to first base. Hitters are limited in how many times they can step out of the box. There were no violations from Mets’ pitchers or hitters in either of their games Saturday, though that doesn’t mean there wasn’t drama elsewhere.

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The Atlanta Braves lost on a pitch clock violation with a tie game and bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth. Change is not easily accepted in baseball, so for a situation like this to occur on the very first day it’s being used, it’s an absolute nightmare scenario, even for the biggest proponents of the timer. Umpires have been instructed to call the penalties without leeway in spring training games so there is no grace period.

Luckily, these games don’t count.

“It’s different. We tried to emulate it as much as possible during those live BP sessions, but in the game, it’s a quicker pace of play,” Mets first baseman Pete Alonso said. “It’s a little bit different style of game. Hopefully, we can master certain situations during spring and we can get ahold of it.”

You can’t argue with the results: The Mets’ first game of the day against the Houston Astros in West Palm Beach clocked in at 2:33. The second game of a split-squad doubleheader at Clover Field was played in 2:34. Had the outfield sprinklers not gone off, it might have been even shorter. The new element seems to be having its intended effect in improving the pace of games.

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While it might be an adjustment at the big league level, the pitchers who are progressing through the minor leagues don’t have to do any adjusting since they’re used to working within the confines of the time, having worked pitched with a clock in Double- and Triple-A.

“It’s just working fast,” said Game 2 starter Jose Butto, through a translator. “It doesn’t really affect me too much because I’m the kind of pitcher who likes to work fast, but I think that the basis — just getting accustomed.”

The effects of the shift rules and bigger bases will be seen as spring training progresses, but for now, the focus is on the pitch clock as both pitchers and hitters try to adapt.

“I’m just trying to figure it out right now,” Alonso said. “I want to be able to establish a routine because I’m very [routine-oriented]. Also, with baseball players, sometimes a routine develops into a ritual or a superstition. So for me, I want to be able to develop something where I have time and I have certain cues.”

Max Scherzer will make his first start of the Grapefruit League season Sunday when the Mets host the Washington Nationals. The game will be broadcast on SNY.