The New York Yankees are chalking up a plan to tackle the new pitch lock rule using an electronic device to send signals.
In baseball, pitchers and catchers use signals to communicate what pitch to throw. However, often the pitcher takes undue advantage and wastes a lot of time while signaling. Hence, MLB has implemented new rules to prevent such tactics. One of the new rules is using a pitch clock, which limits the time a pitcher has to deliver a pitch. This rule intends to speed up the game and prevent pitchers from using excessive delay tactics.
While the New York Yankees captain, Aaron Judge, favors the rule, his team is silently drawing up a plan to tackle the new rule. The Yankees pitcher, Clay Holmes, briefed the media on the same and gave some insights about their latest tactic. However, the pitching coach has cited some concerns stating that a few pitchers are not on board with the plan as it is causing inconvenience to their rhythm.
Yankees Using Electronic Device To Tackle Pitch Lock Rule
The New York Yankees are reportedly testing a signal-sending device during spring training. The device is called PitchCom, which the MLB introduced last year. The device was basically used by the catchers behind the plate to send a signal to the pitcher on the mound. The pitcher wore an earpiece through which the catcher’s sign traveled after pressing a few buttons. However, this year, MLB has allowed the pitchers to wear a PitchCom on their belt and send signals to the catcher.
Clay Homes, Luis Severino, and Domingo German are the first set of Yankees to get their hands on the device. Homes feel one must spend some time understanding the functioning of the device. He added that you would love the device once you get familiar with it. While Severino and Homes loved the instrument, Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake stated a few pitchers in the bullpen are still hesitant to try on the new thing. He said the pitchers feel an external item will disrupt their concentration and rhythm. Yet, Blake said a few guys would try it out in live training sessions to see how it goes.
Clarke Schmidt Impresses With New Pitch Variation
New York Yankees pitcher Clarke Schmidt arrived at the spring training camp with much anticipation of his new variation, the cutter. The cutter is supposed to help Clarke tackle the left-handed hitters. Moreover, the pitcher used the cutter more than any other variation in his first spring training outing, creating a lot of buzz. His speed touched 92.5 MPH, and he registered five strikeouts. Interestingly, three out of the five were right-handed hitters.
With the fifth spot on the starting pitching rotation wide open, Clarke Schmidt wants to give it all in. He said in a post-game interview that he wants to win that spot and is working hard for that. Further, Clarke is competing with Domingo German, who is yet to showcase his talent in the ongoing Grapefruit League. Hence, will have to wait for German and see how he performs. For now, Clarke is running at the forefront to claim the fifth starter’s spot.
