Over the first weekend of the 2023 MLB season, there were some noticeable differences in the way the game was played in contrast to 2022.
This is thanks in large part to the new rules that have been implemented by the league.
For the first time, MLB has finally begun enforcing the pitch clock, which gives pitchers 15 seconds to deliver a pitch without runners on base and 20 with runners on base.
The bases are also larger and the shift is restricted.
We have seen more offense, more stolen base attempts, and a quicker pace of play.
On Twitter, MLB Now posted a graphic comparing some of the statistics from the start of last season to the start of this season.
Thoughts on the rule changes through Opening Weekend? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Gqhcv1x88Y
—MLB Now (@MLBNow) April 3, 2023
The biggest difference is the pace of play.
Last season, Opening Weekend games lasted roughly three hours and eight minutes on average.
This season, Opening Weekend games lasted just two hours and 38 minutes on average.
And so, games are moving much faster than they had been in previous years.
There were only 29 stolen bases out of 43 attempts during last year’s Opening Weekend.
This year, we have already seen 84 stolen base attempts, with 70 of them being successful, thanks in large part to the bigger bases.
Stolen base percentage is also up from 67.4% to 83.3%.
Finally, with the shift being restricted, we have seen more balls in play turn into hits.
To start the 2022 season, averages for balls in play sat at .276 in comparison to .301 this season.
The new rule states that two infielders must be on either side of second base at all times.
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