TAMPA — Starting on Saturday, many of the Yankees will get their first taste of working with a pitch clock.
MLB is using a 20-second clock in exhibition games with an eye toward implementing the rule in regular-season contests via an agreement with the Players Association or through commissioner Rob Manfred imposing it himself.
No punishment will be handed out for allowing the pitch clock to expire in the exhibition opener Saturday against the Red Sox.
When asked about working with a clock — meant to quicken the pace of the game — most Yankees pitchers didn’t think it would have that big of an effect.
The lone dissenter was veteran left-hander J.A. Happ, while Masahiro Tanaka admitted he would have to pick up the pace.
“I don’t like it. I don’t think it is necessary,’’ Happ said Friday at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think the numbers prove the game needs it and it doesn’t feel right.’’
As for the possibility of using the clock when real games begin, Happ didn’t know for sure but said, “I hope not.’’
According to FanGraphs, Justin Verlander (27.0 seconds) was the slowest between pitches among those who qualified. Among qualified Yankees starters, ace Luis Severino needed 22.0 seconds between pitches and Happ was at 22.3.
Aroldis Chapman (29.0), Masahiro Tanaka (27.0), Zack Britton (26.4), Tommy Kahnle (26.3), Jonathan Loaisiga (26.3) and Jonathan Holder (25.8) did not work enough innings to qualify among statistical leaders.
The clock will begin after the first pitch of an at-bat, once the pitcher is in the dirt circle of the mound with the ball and the catcher is in position. A pick-off throw, wild pitch or passed ball would cause the timer to be reset to 20 seconds, starting again once everyone is in position. If the pitcher fakes a pick-off throw or steps off the rubber with runners on base, the clock would reset immediately.
Tanaka will try to shorten the time between his pitches.
“I am one of those guys who needs to speed up,’’ he said.
“It will be interesting to see. As long as I don’t pay attention I don’t think it will be a distraction and I will be fine,’’ Dellin Betances said. “I don’t know if it will quicken the game.’’
Aaron Judge has experience with the clock, which was introduced in the minor leagues in 2015.
“I dealt with it in the minor leagues. To me I didn’t notice it,’’ Judge said.
According to CC Sabathia, the clock won’t deliver drastic change.
“I don’t think so, most guys work quick. Some relievers are slow. I don’t think it will be a huge difference,’’ Sabathia said.
Adam Ottavino said he will attempt to push it out of his mind.
“Try not to think about it,’’ the reliever said. “See how it works and adjust accordingly.’’
Austin Romine said he doesn’t believe the clock will have an impact.
“I don’t think it will matter,’’ the catcher said of the rule that also forces hitters not to loiter at the plate. “It’s there, abide by it and move on.’’