Pitcher Pitch Clock Violations & Balks Join Spring

Not to be outdone by batter violations of MLB's pitch clock rule, a smattering of pitcher violations for failing to begin delivery prior to the expiration of time, exceeding step-offs, and no-stop balks to try and beat the timer joined Spring Training, giving umpires even more pace of play calls to make due to baseball's new timing and procedure rules.

As previously discussed, batter pitch clock violations occur when the 30- (between batters), 20- (between pitches with runners on base), or 15-second (between pitches with the bases empty) pitch clock reaches the eight-second mark while the batter isn't yet ready and alert to the pitcher—namely, looking in the pitcher's direction while standing in the batter's box and in a hitting stance or a position that can immediately transform into a hitting stance. A batter's violation of the pitch clock rule results in an automatic strike added to the count.

Related Post: MLB Game Ends on Critical Pitch Clock Violation's Auto-K3 (2/26/23).

Related Post: Pitch Clock Violation Strikes on 1st Day of Spring Training (2/25/23).

Pitchers can also violate the rule by allowing the clock to reach zero seconds without starting their delivery to the batter or stepping off/disengaging the rubber. The pitcher is allowed up to two 'free' step-offs per at-bat with runners on base, provided that the pitcher may technically throw over a third time but if they fail to pickoff or otherwise retire the runner on that third time, the umpire shall call a balk. The disengagement limit "resets" to two in the event a runner advances (e.g., due to a stolen base or balk).

A pitcher's violation of the pitch clock rule results in an automatic ball. This video highlights a defensive pitch clock violation by the White Sox, a non-reset of the clock when Guardians pitcher James Karinchak wanted a new baseball (was this call correct? we break down the rule!), and a three-disengagement violation with the Red Sox.

Related Post: MLB Announces Rules Changes for 2023 - A Review (9/9/22).

Finally, umpires should also be aware of the potential for pitchers to more frequently commit pre-existing old-fashioned balk infractions, namely violations of the "stop" requirement with runners on base. For instance, a pitcher with runners on base and sensing a pitch clock is about to expire might rush through Set Position without stopping, as is required, which would result in a balk. This is what occurred when Seattle pitcher Logan Rinehart tried beating the clock and rushed through delivery, resulting in a no-stop balk.

Video as follows:

Alternate Link: Compilation of early Spring pitcher clock and balk violations & umpire calls (CCS)