The Major League Baseball season has seen some notable changes in the first two weeks, with the batting average dropping to .242 and the average time of a nine-inning game increasing to 2:39. These shifts come in the second season of the pitch clock, which has impacted the pace of play.
Last year, MLB implemented restrictions on defensive shifts, resulting in a rise in batting average to .249 in the first 14 days. However, this year's average has dipped compared to the same period in 2022 and 2021. The average tends to increase as the season progresses and the weather warms up.
Players have noted the increasing difficulty of hitting, attributing it to the improving skills of pitchers. The average four-seam fastball velocity has risen to 94.2 mph this season, with an increase in pitches exceeding 100 mph.
Right-handed batters have seen a decrease in average to .240, while left-handed batters have seen a slight increase to .244. Home runs per game have also declined to 2.0 from 2.3.
Stolen bases have remained steady at an average of 2.4 per game, with a slight decrease in success rate. The introduction of 18-inch square bases last year led to a significant increase in steals.
The average time of nine-inning games has increased to 2:39 this season, with more players utilizing timeouts. Pitch clock violations have decreased, with pitcher and catcher violations dropping significantly.
Overall, the changes in the early weeks of the season reflect a dynamic and evolving landscape in Major League Baseball, with players and teams adapting to new rules and strategies to enhance the game.
