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Rob Manfred says MLB will announce ‘clarifications’ to new pitch clock rules

MIAMI — Major League Baseball plans to send rule clarifications to teams, players and umpires on the new rules for the upcoming season, providing time to make the necessary adjustments by Opening Day.

There will be no actual rule changes, and the pitch clock will remain the same – 15 seconds with no one on base and 20 seconds with runners on base – but simple modifications will be made, MLB and union officials say.

“We had a series of clarifications that we’re going to announce shortly,” Manfred said, “things that have come out of player input conversations that have taken place. We have another set of issues that we want to see some regular-season games before we make a decision on them.

“I’ve met with six teams, already, our feet are not in stone this. On one hand, we are prepared to make adjustments based on input, on the other hand, we want to give it a chance to see exactly how it plays out after a period of adjustments in some regular season games before we make any really significant changes .”

A view of the pitch clock during a Rangers-Rockies spring training game.

A view of the pitch clock during a Rangers-Rockies spring training game.

Among the adjustments:

  • Pitchers will be informed that no warmup pitches will be permitted with less than 30 seconds left on the clock in between innings.

  • Players will be provided extra time if they’re involved in an inning-ending defensive play and leading off the next inning.

  • Baserunners, who are running on a pitch, will be given time by the umpires to get back on a foul ball.

  • Hitters also will be given time to be set in the batter’s box, with at least eight seconds left on the pitch clock, preventing quick pitches.

The modifications were discussed Monday with the rules committee that included Manfred and union executive director Tony Clark.

“The clarifications are important in my mind,” Manfred said, “because they are responsible to things players said.”

Players will be provided extra time if they’re involved in an inning-ending defensive play, particularly an outfielder who leads off the next inning.

Hitters also will be given ample time to be ready in the batter’s box, preventing quick pitches.

The modifications were discussed Monday with the rules committee.

MLB plans to inform all teams by Wednesday, eight days before Opening Day.

Follow Bob Nightengale on Twitter: @Bnightengale

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB will announce ‘clarifications’ to new pitch clock rules