The CPBL on Wednesday said that it had tentatively approved an expanded pitch clock and other measures to speed up the pace of play and shorten games this season.
The rule changes, agreed on during a meeting of CPBL officials and the general managers of the league’s six teams, were announced later in the day by CPBL secretary-general Yang Ching-lung.
They must be put to a final vote before the league’s managers to become official, Yang said.
Photo: Kung Nai-chieh, Taipei Times
In addition to the 20-second pitch timer with the bases empty, which the league instituted last year, from this season there would also be a 25-second timer between pitches when there is a runner on base, Yang said.
The updated rules would also limit the number of pickoff attempts or steps off the rubber a pitcher can make to three for each at-bat, he said.
In terms of penalties, when the pitcher does not begin to deliver the pitch before the pitch timer expires, they would be charged with an automatic ball, the planned rules say.
Likewise, if the batter fails to step into the box before the pitch timer reaches the 8-second mark, or if the catcher fails to crouch in place by the 9-second mark, an automatic strike or ball respectively would be assessed.
The league managers have maintained the existing 12-inning limit for games that go into extra innings, at which point a tie is declared, Yang said.
However, a runner would be placed on second base to begin the 10th inning and in every subsequent inning after that to increase scoring opportunities, he said.
The CPBL regular season is to start on March 30 and run through the end of September.
The post-season is scheduled to begin on Oct. 12.
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