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The only rule change for the upcoming season
that will not relate to MLB's ongoing desire to shorten game
times is with the running lane from home plate to first base.
Runners can now use the area from the first-base foul line to
the edge of the infield grass while running to first base. They
will not be called for interference if a throw to first base
hits them while in the extended area to the immediate left of
the foul line.
Depending on the field, the expanded distance from the foul line
to the infield grass now open to base runners is 18-24 inches.
It will vary in ballparks that use artificial turf.
According to MLB, average game times were just under 2 hours, 40
minutes in 2023, a full 24 minutes shorter than 2022. And the
league thinks more dead time can be shaved.
Among the new 2024 rules that address pace of play is the
reduction of pitch time with runners on base from 20 seconds to
18 seconds. Also, if a new relief pitcher steps onto the field
from the bullpen with less than two minutes remaining during the
break in innings, the clock will be reset to two minutes instead
of 2:15 like it was in 2023.
Mound visits from catchers and/or coaches will be reduced to
four per team per game, down from the maximum five last season.
After a dead ball, the pitch clock will start when the pitcher
receives the ball as opposed to last season when the clock
started after the pitcher stepped on the dirt part of the mound.
Also, a pitcher who warms up before a half inning will have to
pitch to at least one batter. On 24 occasions last season, a
pitcher warmed up before a half inning only to have a team
change the pitcher before a pitch was thrown, adding an
additional three minutes per instance.
--Field Level Media
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