There are new rules in Major League Baseball for this upcoming season.
For the first time in the big-leagues, the 2023 season will feature a pitch clock.
With the bases empty, pitchers will have 15 seconds from when they receive the ball from the catcher to when they begin their motion to the plate.
When runners are on base, pitchers will have 20 seconds from when they receive the ball to when they begin their motion.
At the Mets spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, FLA. on Monday, relief pitcher Adam Ottavino, who re-signed with the Mets this offseason on a one-year deal with a second-year player option, discussed how he plans to adjust to this new rule.
"I think It'll be good. I think the only time It'll be a factor is a huge moment, a huge spot, and you're in between what to throw," Ottavino told reporters. "You're gonna have to find a way to kill the clock there. You get your one or two step-offs. You're gonna have to know your fail safes.
"That's kind of what spring training is gonna be about, for me at least, with the clock. Just kind of understanding what mechanisms I have for when I do need to slow the pace down, how I can do that. For the most part, just getting comfortable pitching at a little bit of a quicker pace."
Although the clock will take some time to get used to, Ottavino believes it can be an advantage for the pitcher.
"For the most part, if you're pitching well I think you want to push the pace and make the hitter a little uncomfortable and kind of control it," he explained. "You can still control it as the pitcher. You can take the full time or go faster. All that stuff is gonna come into play. It's a comfort thing. Practice is really all there is [to get used to it]."
Ottavino will serve as elite closer Edwin Diaz's setup man for the second straight season in the Mets' bullpen.
In 65.2 innings, Ottavino posted a 2.3 bWAR, 2.06 ERA, 0.975 WHIP, three saves and 79 strikeouts for the Mets last season.
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