MLB

MLB, Fanatics and Topps have created a new patch that players will wear when they make their debut in the majors.

Anthony Volpe will make his big league debut at shortstop with the Louis Cardinals host the Toronto Blue Jays. “Topps has been a great partner to baseball for decades, and I think this particular initiative is crucial to the development of deeper fan engagement.” [New York Yankees](https://www.nbcnewyork.com/tag/new-york-yankees) against the [San Francisco Giants](https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/giants?chrcontext=WVIT) and Jordan Walker will step onto a major league outfield for the first time when the St. That figure has since been beaten out by a 1952 Mickey Mantle card, which sold for Rookie cards are among the most coveted items in the sports memorabilia industry.

MLB, Fanatics and Topps have created a new patch that players will wear when they make their debut in the majors.

Anthony Volpe will make his big league debut at shortstop with the “Topps has been a great partner to baseball for decades, and I think this particular initiative is crucial to the development of deeper fan engagement.” That figure has since been beaten out by a 1952 Mickey Mantle card, which sold for

Every year hundreds of young players make the Major League Baseball (MLB) debut. This year their debut will be marked with game-worn MLB Debut Patches, ...

And though it’s not known what set these cards are going to be included in (it could very well be a supplemental set with a smaller production run), the gist is that these cards are going to be super sought after. While the production run of Topps cards are not public knowledge, it must be in the hundreds of thousands just to stock the shelves of all those Walmarts. “Debut Patches represent one of the first steps that Fanatics Collectibles is taking to bring the players and leagues closer to the products, and ultimately fans,” said Mike Mahan, CEO, Fanatics Collectibles via press release. It’s a great way to connect players to fans, and create a valuable get within the collectibles marketplace. While game-worn materials have made their way onto trading cards before, this is the first time a major sports league has directly partnered with a sports trading card brand to create game-worn memorabilia. “For a Player there is no bigger moment than the first time they step onto a field for their Major League debut,” MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark said.

On a busy opening day, every team is in action. Between M.L.B.'s new rules and some intriguing player movement, you might want to get caught up.

history to qualify for both the batting title and the E.R.A. Earlier in the day, the Yankees put Gerrit Cole up against a major breakout candidate in Logan Webb of the San Francisco Giants. If Ohtani plays the way he did in the last two seasons, he might make that Judge contract look tiny by comparison. He has made it clear he will walk away to find a chance to win. He’s a 55-60 runner but it plays up on the bases because he has great instincts both for reading pitchers and reading situations. Here’s a look at some of the [new rules](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/02/24/sports/baseball/mlb-rule-changes.html?action=click&pgtype=Article&state=default&module=styln-mlb-season&variant=show®ion=MAIN_CONTENT_1&block=storyline_levelup_swipe_recirc) taking effect this season: The Yankees, whose games averaged a major league-high 3 hours 13 minutes last season, beat the San Francisco Giants, 5-0, in the first game of the day. While at shortstop, he’s got great hands and gets himself into the right position to make plays more than most shortstops I see. So it’s safe to say the team thinks Volpe, 21, has a bright future. After months of speculation about how new rules will change the game and a spring training filled with fast games and plenty of flubs, opening day of the 2023 Major League Baseball season is finally here. As for the effects of that clock on the game? (Switching to overhand pitching in the late 19th century was probably more extreme, but let’s put that aside.)

Former Tigers on MLB rosters include infielder DJ LeMahieu (Yankees), infielder Alex Bregman (Astros), pitcher Aaron Nola (Phillies), pitcher Kevin Gausman ...

Fraley begins his fifth MLB season and his second with Cincinnati after three years with the Seattle Mariners. Gausman, who pitched at LSU in 2011 and 2012, begins his 11th MLB season and his second with the Blue Jays. Austin Nola, a native of Baton Rouge and Aaron’s older brother, made his MLB debut in 2019 with the Seattle Mariners, and he collected 10 home runs and 31 RBI in 79 games. Bregman, a product of Albuquerque, N.M., made his MLB debut with Houston in July 2016, and he has helped lead the Astros to the 2017 and 2022 World Series titles as the club’s starting third baseman. 2 overall selection by the Astros in the 2015 MLB Draft, Bregman was a two-time first-team all-American at LSU, and he was named the recipient of the 2013 Brooks Wallace Award as the nation’s best shortstop. Aaron Nola, a Baton Rouge native, enters his ninth season in the Philadelphia rotation, and he was instrumental in the Phillies’ drive to the 2022 National League pennant.

Offseason chaos. A historic World Baseball Classic. New rules. After a wild winter, MLB's regular season starts today with all 30 teams in action.

[Shane Bieber](https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/40912/shane-bieber) vs. [Zac Gallen](https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/39910/zac-gallen) vs. [German Marquez](https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/34874/german-marquez) vs. [Dylan Cease](https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/34943/dylan-cease) vs. [Alek Manoah](https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/42436/alek-manoah) vs. [Mitch Keller](https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/33722/mitch-keller) vs. [Justin Verlander](https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/6341/justin-verlander) and Japanese star [Kodai Senga](https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/4142421/kodai-senga). [Pablo Lopez](https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/39671/pablo-lopez) vs. [Eduardo Rodriguez](https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/32675/eduardo-rodriguez) vs. For the Royals, [Bobby Witt Jr](https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/42403/bobby-witt-jr). [Kyle Gibson](https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/31053/kyle-gibson) vs. [Xander Bogaerts](https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/31606/xander-bogaerts) and [J.D.

The Sporting News will be tracking scores and highlights from the first day of the 2023 MLB season. Follow along for updates and results from the games.

[Fubo](http://www.fubo.tv/lp/mlb/?irad=377812&irmp=1131770&sharedid=editorial), which will carry local broadcasts of the games as well as MLB Network and ESPN. It's also the fourth straight year he's hit a home run on Opening Day, tying an MLB record. floats a base hit into shallow right field to score a pair of runs and give Toronto the 8-7 lead in the top of the eighth. 5:47 p.m.: A passed ball gives up another run for the Rangers, then Adolis Garcia hits a two-run single that pushes the lead up to 9-5. Starling Marte moves up to third and Pete Alonso walks to set up Jeff McNeil with runners on the corners. 2:28 p.m.: The Red Sox have also gotten off to a hot start in 2023. 3:17 p.m.: After Cedric Mullins walked to load the bases, a wild pitch scores Adam Frazier and pushes Jorge Mateo and Mullins up into scoring position. 3:49 p.m.: The Orioles are running wild against the Red Sox and Ryan Brasier in the top of the fifth. 3:13 p.m.: Swanson put his defense to use in the top of the third, and now he's showing off his bat with his new team. 3:20 p.m.: Trey Mancini also makes an impact on his new team, lining a base hit into left to score Swanson and give the Cubs a 3-0 lead. Abrams at short to bring in another run and make it a 3-0 Atlanta lead in the second. 1:15 p.m.: A special moment for rookie Anthony Volpe in his MLB debut as he receives a roll call from the bleacher creatures.

MLB jerseys haven't been strangers to patches through the years, and on Opening Day 2023, a new modification was introduced.

Certainly, it's a unique initiative that will have baseball card collectors foaming at the mouth. [#OpeningDay], every player making their Major League debut will wear an “MLB Debut” patch on their uniform for their first game! MLB jerseys haven't been strangers to patches through the years.

More than a dozen Jacksonville-area players are on Opening Day rosters, either active or IL, for the 2023 Major League Baseball season.

Notable: Lawrence has had the movement on his pitches working of late, including the World Baseball Classic with Panama. Notable: After tumultuous off-season, Clevinger returns to AL Central with White Sox; likely to occupy No. 3 or No. Position: Pitcher Position: Catcher Position: Outfielder Position: First baseman Position: Infielder

The Sporting News will be tracking scores and highlights from the first day of the 2023 MLB season. Follow along for updates and results from the games.

[Fubo](http://www.fubo.tv/lp/mlb/?irad=377812&irmp=1131770&sharedid=editorial), which will carry local broadcasts of the games as well as MLB Network and ESPN. 1:10 p.m.: Acuna takes advantage of the new pick-off limit. Abrams at short to bring in another run and make it a 3-0 Atlanta lead in the second. 1:15 p.m.: A special moment for rookie Anthony Volpe in his MLB debut as he receives a roll call from the bleacher creatures. The first pitch Aaron Judge sees in the 2023 season, he sends over the center field wall for a solo home run. 3:13 p.m.: Swanson put his defense to use in the top of the third, and now he's showing off his bat with his new team. 3:20 p.m.: Trey Mancini also makes an impact on his new team, lining a base hit into left to score Swanson and give the Cubs a 3-0 lead. 2:28 p.m.: The Red Sox have also gotten off to a hot start in 2023. 3:17 p.m.: After Cedric Mullins walked to load the bases, a wild pitch scores Adam Frazier and pushes Jorge Mateo and Mullins up into scoring position. Henderson up to bat with the bases loaded. 3:49 p.m.: The Orioles are running wild against the Red Sox and Ryan Brasier in the top of the fifth. But now, it's time for the official start of the 2023 Major League Baseball season.

Offseason chaos. A historic World Baseball Classic. New rules. After a wild winter, MLB's regular season starts today with all 30 teams in action.

[Highlights](/mlb/video/_/gameId/401471020) [Highlights](/mlb/video/_/gameId/40147102630) [Box score](/mlb/boxscore/_/gameId/401471030) [Highlights](/mlb/video/_/gameId/401471025) [Box score](/mlb/boxscore/_/gameId/401471025) [Highlights](/mlb/video/_/gameId/401471021) [Box score](/mlb/boxscore/_/gameId/401471021) [Highlights](/mlb/video/_/gameId/401471024) [Box score](/mlb/boxscore/_/gameId/401471026) [Box score](/mlb/boxscore/_/gameId/401471028) [Highlights](/mlb/video/_/gameId/401471022) [Box score](/mlb/boxscore/_/gameId/401471022)

MLB, Fanatics and Topps have created a new patch that players will wear when they make their debut in the majors.

Anthony Volpe will make his big league debut at shortstop with the “Topps has been a great partner to baseball for decades, and I think this particular initiative is crucial to the development of deeper fan engagement.” That figure has since been beaten out by a 1952 Mickey Mantle card, which sold for

Braves at Nationals, 1:05 p.m., MLB Network · Giants at Yankees, 1:05 p.m., YES · Orioles at Red Sox, 2:10 p.m., NESN · Brewers at Cubs, 2:20 p.m., MARQ · Tigers at ...

](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/fantasy/2023/02/07/fantasy-baseball-updated-top-200-player-rankings-2023-mlb-season/11172314002/) [We ranked the top 250 for 2023](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/fantasy/2023/02/07/fantasy-baseball-updated-top-200-player-rankings-2023-mlb-season/11172314002/). 1 prospect in MLB?](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2023/03/24/mlb-100-names-to-know-2023-gunnar-henderson-top-prospects/11528553002/) [Expectations are high](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2023/03/24/mlb-100-names-to-know-2023-gunnar-henderson-top-prospects/11528553002/) for the favorite to win American League Rookie of the Year. [has shown new life, new energy and gusto](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2023/03/28/low-budget-guardians-have-higher-expectations-2023/11553806002/). [opened the spring with a starting rotation](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2023/03/26/2023-mlb-opening-day-9-questions-entering-season/11544922002/) of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Luis Severino, Nestor Cortes and Frankie Montas. [has arrived](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2023/03/27/anthony-volpe-meet-new-york-yankees-opening-day-shortstop/11547643002/), at age 21, and will jog out to his position on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium on Thursday afternoon to hold down one of the most prestigious positions in sports. [it was permanently implementing a provision](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2023/02/27/mlb-rules-2023-shift-pitch-clock-bases/11358317002/) in use since 2020 that every half inning after the ninth begins with a runner on second base. [Larger bases](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2023/02/28/mlb-shift-rule-explained-2023-season/11364513002/): The bases are now 18 inches square (previously 15 inches). [is a Tri-State kid](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2023/03/27/anthony-volpe-meet-new-york-yankees-opening-day-shortstop/11547643002/), pride of Watchung, New Jersey, and Morristown’s Delbarton School, from where you can reach Yankee Stadium in less than an hour, with cooperation from various bridges and thoroughfares. [Pitch clock](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2023/02/28/mlb-shift-rule-explained-2023-season/11364513002/): There is a 30-second timer between batters and a time limit between pitches. (Home plate – which stays the same size – to first base is 3 inches shorter.) [Pickoff limits](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2023/02/28/mlb-shift-rule-explained-2023-season/11364513002/): Pitchers are limited to a maximum of two pickoff attempts per plate appearance. The Oakland A’s ($62.2 million) ranked fifth among teams who made the most money while the Pittsburgh Pirates ($51.5 million) ranked eighth and the Kansas City Royals earned $27.8 million.

The 2023 MLB season begins Thursday afternoon. Here are the top plays from all 15 Opening Day games!

Anthony Volpe acknowledges the fans by kissing his jersey and gets his first career stolen base in the Yankees' opener. ByAP.

Davis](http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/33796/jd-davis) at the plate in the ninth. [Wandy Peralta](http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/36036/wandy-peralta), Jonathan Loáisiga and [Ron Marinaccio](http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/4228723/ron-marinaccio) finshed a four-hitter for the Yankees first opening-day shutout win since 1988. The Giants opened in New York for the first time since beating Pittsburgh 4-3 in 1956, their next-to-last season before moving to California. [Volpe went 0 for 2 with a walk, stolen base and two nice defensive plays in his major league debut](https://www.mlb.com/video/anthony-volpe-makes-yankees-debut?partnerId=web--video-playback-page--video-share), a 5-0 opening-day win over the [San Francisco Giants](http://www.espn.com/mlb/team/_/name/sf/san-francisco-giants) at Yankee Stadium on Thursday. “His impact on the clubhouse to this day is ginormous,” Volpe said. Volpe made a fine defensive play in the fourth, coming in to field Thairo Estrada’s three-hopper, and he started a double play on Wilmer Flores’ sixth-inning grounder. Volpe stayed in Manhattan on Wednesday night, got to the stadium about 8:45 a.m. Volpe grew up a Yankees fan in Manhattan and his family moved to New Jersey when he was in the fourth grade. Volpe switched from from No. “He gave me the thumbs-up, so I knew that's what I had to do.” [Gleyber Torres](http://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/33804/gleyber-torres) added a two-run, opposite-field homer to right in the fourth and [Judge blooped an RBI broken-bat single](https://www.mlb.com/video/aaron-judge-s-rbi-single-x8300?partnerId=web--video-playback-page--video-share) in a two-run seventh that included [DJ LeMahieu’s run-scoring single](https://www.mlb.com/video/dj-lemahieu-singles-on-a-ground-ball-to-left-fielder-lamonte-wade-jr-gley?partnerId=web--video-playback-page--video-share). “I was kind of ragging him a little bit,” Judge recalled.

The Astros began their World Series title defense Thursday against the White Sox, but it didn't go as they planned.

Major League Baseball announced that players making their first appearances will wear debut patches on their jerseys. The patch will appear on different ...

Major League Baseball's opening day can offer an occasionally instructive peek under hood, even if it's merely just 1/162nd of the season to come.

[per The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/4365441/2023/03/30/2023-san-francisco-giants-opening-day-roster/), then told his parents to put the kibosh on plans to travel to New York and see his debut. No opening day magic can match that of players who stick on the roster and are set to make their major league debuts, like vaunted prospects Walker and Volpe. Alas, Oakland scrapped out two runs off Aaron Loup in the bottom of the eighth inning to steal Ohtani's win and, more significantly, deal the Angels a setback in their aim to end a near decadelong playoff drought. The result was somewhat predictable: Kluber recorded 10 outs and gave up five runs to the exuberant young Orioles lineup, including a home run to burgeoning star Adley Rutschman. The Yankees won their opener and Volpe’s alma mater, Delbarton School, got a no-decision – the team postponed its game Thursday to show up, jerseys and all, at Volpe’s debut. Petersburg, Florida, Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg made the rounds, expressing a significant amount of confidence a long-awaited deal for a new stadium would come together by year’s end. And of the five games that exceeded the three-hour mark, three could certainly cite extenuating circumstances – final scores of 10-9, 11-7 and 10-9. And now Outman, 25, has an opening day homer to his credit, too. And it will do nothing to expedite or ensure the healthy return of Carlos Rodon, the $162 million lefty whose forearm injury will keep him out until May. The news coming out of spring training – average game time, 2 hours, 35 minutes – seemed too good to be true. Or Gerrit Cole, the $324 million ace, mowing through the San Francisco Giants, striking out 11 in six innings, the highest-paid pitcher in total value teaming with the position player earning more than any other annually to send an immediate message to the American League. Sometimes that uh-oh feeling is quite warranted, as much as some of the oh-wows that might emerge when the sport’s presents are unwrapped, one by one.

Heading into the 2023 MLB season, there wasn't a question about whether the new pitch clock would decrease the length of games. The bigger question was how ...

White Sox vs. Yankees went 11 innings while Giants vs. Thursday started with Yankees vs. Five games had no violations, while the most in one game was three (Orioles vs. As the process becomes more streamlined, it isn't unreasonable to think games will average closer to Minor League Baseball's 2022 average of 2:39. It was the seventh straight year and the eighth time in nine seasons the average game length per nine was over three hours. The shortest games were Tigers vs. Comb. Royals, which ended in 2:49. Giants, the day's first final, ended in 2:33. Although violations abounded early on, teams were down to about one per game by the end of the exhibition season. The bigger question was how prevalent the timer would be in a game.

David Purdum examines how MLB's new rule changes will affect sportsbooks' and bettors' approaches to wagering on baseball this season.

"The shift is huge to me," Fortuna said. "That's one thing [larger bases] that we did adjust our numbers on based on the rule changes, and it seems to be something that the bettors are taking note of also," Blum said. "We don't really see a direct correlation from the pitch clock to more scoring," said Randy Blum, who oversees baseball odds for the SuperBook in Las Vegas. "I think it's going to be a little more offsetting than people realize, almost a wash," Halvor said. Hitters are allowed one timeout per at-bat to reset the pitch clock. Hitters must be in the batter's box with eight seconds on the pitch clock.

Here's one baseball fans might not have bet on: at least one prominent oddsmaker thinks starting pitchers will go deeper into games this season.

That’s the one that’s going to be the most difficult for us early on and I think for teams as well. “That’s the one market that I think we’re going to have the most difficulty early on in deciphering how much of an increase,” Egeland said. Starters are “going to dictate the tempo of the game and they’re going to be able to frustrate the hitters,” Biggio said. “The outfield shifting data-wise shows a greater difference between the batting average on balls in play.” He is a career .199 hitter but has a .325 on-base percentage and has topped out at 41 homers in a season. Batters must be alert to the pitcher with 8 seconds left.

The patches are specifically design to be later used in trading cards. Players like the Yankees' Anthony Volpe will wear it on their Opening Day uniform.

"Expanding the amount of people that can get closer to the game, there's something special about being part of that moment," Garden says. "Topps has been a great partner to baseball for decades, and [this] particular initiative is crucial to the development of deeper fan engagement." Often, memorabilia cards have included some semblance of this language: "The enclosed officially licensed material is not associated with any specific player, game, or event" or "The relic contained in this card is not from any specific match, event or season." Over the last few years, a trend that's emerged, much to the chagrin of collectors, is pulling memorabilia cards that have either only been player-worn ... "It's that feeling that we're trying to recreate in a way fans can access it, make it accessible." Fanatics Collectibles and Topps have announced, with Major League Baseball, the first memorabilia uniform patch made specifically for sports trading cards: the MLB Debut Patch.

Games moved along. They were shorter. There was more action, instead of a pitcher throwing, stomping around the mound, getting settled, waving off the catcher ...

The avg. Avg. On opening day in '22 the avg. [March 31, 2023]

A pitch timer that necessitates pitchers start their deliveries within 15 seconds with the bases empty, and within 20 seconds with someone on board;; Defensive ...

[Pete Alonso](/mlb/players/2447476/pete-alonso/) and [Jeff McNeil](/mlb/players/2169895/jeff-mcneil/), as well as home plate umpire Larry Vanover. [Mets](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/NYM/new-york-mets/) committed oddest violation [Orioles](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/teams/BAL/baltimore-orioles/), would end up plating three other runs that inning. [MLB](/mlb/) and the MLB Players Association agreed to these changes with the hope that they would improve the pace of play and incentivize more batted balls and stolen-base attempts -- or, in other words, more action. Devers was not ready to hit, and so he ended up losing a chance for one more swing. We're here to tell you that both measures moved in the intended directions.

Major League Baseball made three notable rule changes this year, and if Opening Day is any indication, they are already working.

The number of timer violations dropped from 2.03 per game at the beginning of spring training to 1.48 by the end. When it comes to stolen bases, teams and oddsmakers clearly see the new rules as an enduring advantage. [Spring training games](https://www.mlb.com/news/impact-of-new-rules-during-spring-training-2023) were 26 minutes shorter on average in 2023 compared to 2021 and 2022. The overall batting average on ground balls was .249 in 2023 spring training, up from .233 in 2022. Spring training data saw a notable jump in batting average on ground balls, especially ones pulled and up the middle. It is intended to speed the game up, and it has already proved to be incredibly effective in that respect. Runners went 21 of 23 on stolen bases on Opening Day for an average of 1.53 attempts per game. Average runs per game dropped to 8.56 in 2022, the lowest number for the league since 2015. Stolen bases saw a significant spike both in spring training and on Opening Day. Scoring is a tougher one to gauge. How effectively are they working, and what can teams, fans and even oddsmakers expect for the rest of the season? The average time needed for nine innings is slightly shorter, but it has also floated above three hours each year since 2016.

We knew coming into the season that we'd see some weird things happen as umps and players got used to these new changes. We also knew we'd see some umps ...

Scott Pianowski highlights a little-known player to consider adding in fantasy — a player who just might be the first stolen-base-specific pickup of 2023.

The patches are specifically design to be later used in trading cards. Players like the Yankees' Anthony Volpe will wear it on their Opening Day uniform.

"Expanding the amount of people that can get closer to the game, there's something special about being part of that moment," Garden says. "Topps has been a great partner to baseball for decades, and [this] particular initiative is crucial to the development of deeper fan engagement." Often, memorabilia cards have included some semblance of this language: "The enclosed officially licensed material is not associated with any specific player, game, or event" or "The relic contained in this card is not from any specific match, event or season." Over the last few years, a trend that's emerged, much to the chagrin of collectors, is pulling memorabilia cards that have either only been player-worn ... "It's that feeling that we're trying to recreate in a way fans can access it, make it accessible." Fanatics Collectibles and Topps have announced, with Major League Baseball, the first memorabilia uniform patch made specifically for sports trading cards: the MLB Debut Patch.

Opening Day is always filled with anticipation and excitement, but what typically follows is a day off for a majority of MLB teams, leaving fans wanting ...

With that concept, the ticket holders for the next day would receive a voucher rather than those who paid a premium. However, those who owned tickets for the next day would take in all of the delayed fanfare for a fraction of the cost. If Opening Day was postponed, those who had tickets would receive a voucher -- better known as a "rain check" -- to use for another game on the schedule. The idea behind the unpopular day off is something the league instituted as a way to help fans attend the marquee event they paid for. There was a 144 day hiatus in between MLB games -- 3,456 hours, but the 24 that follow Opening Day continue to be the hardest ones to get through every year. For the first time since 1968, every MLB team was in action on Opening Day in 2023.

The timeout dilemma is another new, though mostly overlooked, addition to the baseball landscape in 2023.

“It’s going to be just a little different for everyone, and it’s going to play itself out now. “Do you want to call time at the beginning, and then all of a sudden you’re at his tempo the rest of the at-bat? “There’s a time to use it, and we’ll figure it out,” Goldschmidt said. “Sometimes you’ll get these high-tempo guys, like Robbie Ray, who’s going to get the ball and pitch in a hurry,” he said. “I think the biggest thing is understanding that the hitter should still be in the driver’s seat. “I only took it a couple times, only because I’m normally a guy who just gets in the box and stands there anyway. “There were a lot of those conversations early on about how it worked for them, how it’s going to be enforced,” Goldschmidt said. There’s going to be a lot of different strategies employed, which is going to be cool to see.” “There was an at-bat to start the inning the other day where I felt rushed, coming from defense, getting your stuff on and getting up there, with your eyes on the pitcher before eight seconds — it all felt so rushed. You’ve got to use it at the right time.” Am I going to take a timeout this at-bat?” Pitchers get two “disengagements” per batter — basically, any time they step off the pitching rubber, whether just to take a moment or to make a pickoff throw — per plate appearance.

Heading into the 2023 MLB season, there wasn't a question about whether the new pitch clock would decrease the length of games. The bigger question was how ...

TBD As the process becomes more streamlined, it isn't unreasonable to think games will average closer to Minor League Baseball's 2022 average of 2:39. It was the seventh straight year and the eighth time in nine seasons the average game length per nine was over three hours. Yankees went 11 innings while Giants vs. Guardians -- came in at under three hours. Four games had no violations, while the most in one game was three (Orioles vs. Thursday started with Yankees vs. White Sox vs. Royals, which ended in 2:49. Giants, the day's first final, ended in 2:33. Although violations abounded early on, teams were down to about one per game by the end of the exhibition season. The bigger question was how prevalent the timer would be in a game.

Major League Baseball's new pitch clock looked to be an early success on Opening Day. While the average length of a game in 2022 was 3 hours and 11 minutes, ...

Baseball players aren't always the most fashionable, but they understand the need to look good on their first day of school. March 31, 2023.

Crawford's whole vibe, Penn Murfee's dirtbag professorial look, and the rest of the team going full normcore. The whole range of baseball player fashion is on display here. All smiles from Francisco Lindor, who, predictably, outshined his Mets' teammates in the pregame tunnel. Thursday's festivities featured a few people who came correct, both on the field and with their tunnel entrance fits. Every year on Opening Day, you'll hear committed fans talk about how it should be a national holiday. The

MLB is investigating a confrontation between Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon and an Athletics fan at Thursday's season opener in Oakland.

Rendon continues to challenge the fan as he denies the claim. He missed the majority of 2022 after undergoing right wrist surgery during the season. In a 12-second video posted on social media, Rendon grabs the fan by the shirt through the guardrails and accuses the fan of calling him a "b----."

Major League Baseball is investigating a postgame incident involving Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon and a fan at Oakland's Coliseum after ...

Francisco was also charged with felony battery and settled a lawsuit with the fan. More notably, Texas Rangers pitcher Frank Francisco was suspended the remainder of the 2004 season after a September incident between Rangers relievers and fans in Oakland, where the bullpen is located down the third base line. Rendon can be seen reaching up into an elevated seating area with his hand around the man's shirt.

Major League Baseball made three notable rule changes this year, and if Opening Day is any indication, they are already working.

The number of timer violations dropped from 2.03 per game at the beginning of spring training to 1.48 by the end. When it comes to stolen bases, teams and oddsmakers clearly see the new rules as an enduring advantage. [Spring training games](https://www.mlb.com/news/impact-of-new-rules-during-spring-training-2023) were 26 minutes shorter on average in 2023 compared to 2021 and 2022. The overall batting average on ground balls was .249 in 2023 spring training, up from .233 in 2022. Spring training data saw a notable jump in batting average on ground balls, especially ones pulled and up the middle. It is intended to speed the game up, and it has already proved to be incredibly effective in that respect. Runners went 21 of 23 on stolen bases on Opening Day for an average of 1.53 attempts per game. Average runs per game dropped to 8.56 in 2022, the lowest number for the league since 2015. Stolen bases saw a significant spike both in spring training and on Opening Day. Scoring is a tougher one to gauge. How effectively are they working, and what can teams, fans and even oddsmakers expect for the rest of the season? The average time needed for nine innings is slightly shorter, but it has also floated above three hours each year since 2016.