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Is MLB’s pitch clock leading to better defense? Some players and coaches think so

FILE - The pitch clock ticks down in the top of the ninth in a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, April 2, 2023. Major League Baseball's pitch clock has made games go faster, but players and coaches believe it also is leading to better fielding. The pitch clock, an idea meant to make it easier for fans to stay focused on the field — may be keeping fielders locked in, too. (AP Photo/Emil T. Lippe, File)
FILE - The pitch clock ticks down in the top of the ninth in a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, April 2, 2023. Major League Baseball's pitch clock has made games go faster, but players and coaches believe it also is leading to better fielding. The pitch clock, an idea meant to make it easier for fans to stay focused on the field — may be keeping fielders locked in, too. (AP Photo/Emil T. Lippe, File)

By STEVE MEGARGEE / AP Sports Writer 5 min read

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The pitch clock may be bothering players as they step to the plate, but they like it a whole lot better once they put on their gloves and take the field.

While the rule changes put in place this year to speed up the pace of play have garnered plenty of attention for how they’ve affected hitters and pitchers, some players and managers say the new guidelines also are positively impacting defense.

The pitch clock in particular — an idea meant to make it easier for fans to stay focused on the field — may be keeping fielders locked in, too.

“I think it’s helping defensively a lot, just because you don’t have the down time to really kind of walk around,” said Seattle Mariners second baseman Kolten Wong, a two-time Gold Glove winner. “You’re not cleaning dirt, you’re constantly back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. So, I’m a big fan of it.”

The pitch clock adopted this year — along with limits on infield shifts and several other rules — gives pitchers 15 seconds between deliveries if there are no baserunners and 20 seconds with someone aboard.