The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) discussed detailed implementation rules ahead of the official introduction of the pitch clock for the 2025 season.

On the 21st, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) noted, "Prior to the '2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League Media Day & Fan Fest' held on the 20th at Lotte Hotel World, KBO's Chief Umpire Kim Byeong-ju and Records Committee Chairman Jin Cheol-hoon attended a meeting with the managers of the 10 teams."

On this day, the KBO discussed the detailed implementation rules related to the pitch clock, which was suggested to need adjustments during the exhibition game period, and collected feedback from the managers on-site. Based on the information established that day, the following rules will be additionally applied from the opening game on the 22nd.

If a pitcher throws a ball after the pitch clock has expired (violation), even if the batter hits it for a home run or a fly-out, it will be deemed invalid. The results of the hit will not be recognized, and the pitcher will be charged with one ball for the pitch clock violation.

▲ The results of the batter's hit are invalid after a pitch clock violation by the pitcher.

"The pitcher must start a natural motion to deliver the pitch to the batter before the pitch clock expires (at the 0-second mark)." If the pitcher does not start the pitching motion by the 0-second mark, it will immediately be declared a dead ball, and a ball will be charged to the pitcher. At this time, the results of the batter's hit will not be recognized and will be processed as invalid. The same applies when the batter or catcher violates the pitch clock, resulting in a dead ball scenario. This was reiterated to ensure a clear understanding and consistent application of the existing pitch clock regulations.

▲ Using bat spray after a swing by the batter will not be included in the number of time requests.

It was decided that using bat spray after a swing by the batter would not be included in the number of time requests. However, if the batter steps out of the batter's box when the pitcher is preparing to pitch, it will be considered to have used one time request. A batter can request time up to two times per at-bat, and exceeding this will result in a strike being charged to the batter.

▲ If the pitcher intentionally delays the game using the remaining pitch clock time, caution or warning measures may be taken.

If the umpire determines that the pitcher intentionally delays the game using the remaining pitch clock time, contrary to the purpose of the pitch clock regulation, which is to provide an exciting game by reducing unnecessary game time, caution or warning measures may be taken.

[OSEN]