Photo by James Farrance
Starting in 2015, Rob Manfred has used the minor leagues to test rules with the goal of implementing them in the Major Leagues. One classic example is the runner on second to begin extra innings.
Entering the 2022 season, there have been other rules implemented designed to increase the pace of play. One such rule is the pickoff rule.
Under the rule, pitchers are only permitted two disengagements from the pitching rubber. If a pitcher steps off the rubber for a third time during an at-bat, if the base runner is not thrown out, a balk is ruled awarding the base runner the next base.
In the game between the Syracuse Mets and Rochester Red Wings, Rochester pitcher Jefry Rodriguez threw over twice trying to pick-off Travis Blankenhorn.
After the two pick-off attempts, Rodriguez and his catcher, Tres Barrera, couldn’t get on the same page on how to attack Khalil Lee. This led to Barrera calling time.
A look at how rule experimentation is going in Triple-A.
Rochester pitcher had already used two pickoff throws with Travis Blankenhorn at first base during the at-bat, but then the catcher called time which counts as a disengagement and Blankenhorn was awarded second. pic.twitter.com/KDR43Mb5xC
— Michael Mayer (@mikemayer22) April 28, 2022
As this was a “third disengagement,” and Blankenhorn was standing safely on first, an automatic balk was called awarding Blankenhorn second base.
What’s interesting was the third disengagement was not another pick-off attempt. Rather, it was a catcher calling time.
Another note here is if the catcher did not call time, Rochester risked running afoul of the pitch clock. With runners on base, pitchers must begin their delivery within 18 seconds. If not, the pitch is called a ball.
In essence, this is the interplay of two pace of play initiatives. There’s a pitch clock to speed up the game, and pitches cannot just step off the mound to restart the clock.
It was interesting to see this play out because it’s quite possible we will see these rules in the majors soon. In fact, Major League Baseball was pushing for a pitch clock this season.
As for the limits on pick-offs, it will be interesting to see how this further plays out over the course of the season. If we see game times reduced and an increase in stolen bases, it is very possible we will soon see it in the majors.
