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"I don't like it," Wheeler said Tuesday on NBC
Sports Philadelphia. "I guess you got to get comfortable with
it. I mean, I don't like it at all. I think it messes with the
game too much."
Wheeler, 32, later admitted that he felt rushed on the mound
during the Phillies' spring training game against the Toronto
Blue Jays on Tuesday.
"Imagine a pitch clock when you're trying to make the most
important pitches in the playoffs, having something count down
on you like this," he said. "In Triple-A, in the minor leagues,
they're playing for stuff, but they aren't playing for what
we're playing for up here. It just adds something to it that
isn't part of the game."
The addition of a pitch timer was designed to improve the speed
of the game and reduce dead time.
Pitchers have up to 15 seconds between pitches when the bases
are empty and up to 20 seconds between pitches with at least one
runner on base to deliver the ball to home plate.
Pitchers must begin their motion before the expiration of the
timer, and they also may step off the rubber only twice per
batter's plate appearance. That includes pickoff attempts.
Stepping off a third time will result in a balk (unless the
runner is ruled out). Hitters must be in the box with at least
eight seconds remaining on the clock and will be allowed only
one timeout per plate appearance.
Wheeler went 12-7 with a 2.82 ERA in 26 starts last season.
--Field Level Media
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