In March, MMN reported on the pace of play initiatives which were going to be instituted for the 2018 season.  The initiatives included a reduction in the amount of mound visits, a pitch timer, and extra innings beginning with a runner on base.  These initiatives had the stated goal of not just speeding up the pace of the game but also shortening the time of minor league games.

Baseball America reports these initiatives have accomplished their stated intentions as for the first time since 2013 the minor leagues have seen a reduction in the average time a game is played.  Specifically, Baseball America noted extra inning games took 16 minutes shorter than they were in 2017.

While the reduction in the time of the game for extra inning games was noticeable, the other rules did not have as much of a substantive effect. In fact, the pitch timer and the reduction in mound visits only made the average minor league game just one minute shorter than it was in 2017.  In Double-A and Triple-A, the average was two minutes shorter.  Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner said of the effects of these changes:

I’m happy to report at least in the first go-around (we) accomplished what we wanted it to. I think that clearly demonstrates, especially with the extra-inning rule, it accomplished what we wanted it to accomplish. There were 1,000 less innings in extra innings. It opened to some critical fanfare, but as time went on, I know the players and the operators learned to like it a lot. I think the fans can appreciate what we did.

What will be interesting to see is what the lasting impact of these changes will be, especially with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred having publicly considered implementing the pitch timer and the extra inning rule at the Major League level.  Certainly, from what we have seen the extra inning rule did have a tangible effect.  However, from what we have already seen, the mere suggestion of implementing such a rule was not met kindly by baseball fans.

Overall, these rule changes seem to have had a positive effect on minor league games.  Not only are they shorter, but organizations also don’t have to face the problem of either burning through young arms or putting young position players in to pitch.  Hopefully, we will also see pitchers and batters come from the minor league level to the majors accustomed and ready to playing at a quicker pace of play.