We’re just over a week into spring training and the new pitch clock is already having quite an effect on some of the game’s best players. While the implementation of the pitch clock has cut the pace of play by nearly a half-hour or more, which has the MLB world delighted, the same can’t be said for pitchers and hitters that have had to adjust quickly.
Those like Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Zack Wheeler, who didn’t mince words when asked about his feelings about the implementation of the pitch clock on Tuesday. Wheeler did an in-game interview during Philadelphia’s spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays and while he’s making the necessary adjustments, it doesn’t sound like he’s a happy camper.
“I don’t like it,” Wheeler said Tuesday during an in-game appearance on NBC Sports Philadelphia. “I guess you got to get comfortable with it. I mean, I don’t like it at all. I think it messes with the game too much.”
"I don't like it at all. I think it messes with the game too much."
Zack Wheeler not mincing words on the pitch clock 😅 pic.twitter.com/9Re7KV0y8F
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) February 28, 2023
Wheeler likely isn’t alone in his displeasure with the new rules. And while he believes it messes with the game, he’s going to have to adjust, just like minor leaguers did in 2022. The pitch clock shortened minor league games by 25 minutes last season and so far, there’ve been similar results in spring training, as players and hitters work out the kinks of the new rules.
While some pitchers like Max Scherzer consider it to be an advantage, Wheeler doesn’t seem to be in the same boat as the New York Mets starter. We’ll have to see how the new rules affect Wheeler, who is considered to be one of the top pitchers in the National League.
