It's opening day for Major League Baseball and with the new season comes new and revamped rules aimed at accelerating game-play and boosting fan interest in the game.

Of the changes, the switch-up in pitching time is perhaps the most significant. The pitch clock has been shortened to 15 seconds when bases are empty and 20 seconds when runners are on in order to speed up the game. 

Fans and analysts alike have expressed concern that the change could increase the number of injuries in pitchers around the league.

Other notable changes include a defensive set-up that requires two outfielders to be on either side of second-base and expanding the size of bases.

Fans will have plenty of opportunity to watch the new rules in effect on opening day as there are 15 games slated today.

Opening Day Games

(All times ET)

Braves at Nationals, 1:05 pm

Giants at Yankees, 1:05 pm

Orioles at Red Sox, 2:10 pm

Brewers at Cubs, 2:20 pm

Tigers at Rays, 3:10 pm

Phillies at Rangers, 4:05 pm

Blue Jays at Cardinals, 4:10 pm

Mets at Marlins, 4:10 pm

Pirates at Reds, 4:10 pm

Twins at Royals, 4:10 pm

White Sox at Astros, 7:08 pm

Rockies at Padres, 9:40 pm

Angels at Athletics, 10:07 pm

Diamondbacks at Dodgers, 10:10 pm

Guardians at Mariners, 10:10 pm

—----------------

The changes to the game are pretty significant for this upcoming season and it will be interesting to see what ramifications they have.

Share:
More In Sports
Testing Out ZOZOFIT's 3D Body Measurement Suit
Cheddar's own Shannon LaNier tries out ZOZOFIT's new body suit that provides 3D scans measuring everything from waist size to body mass index. Madeleine Kanazawa, vice president of marketing for the fitness brand, breaks down how the technology works.
Former NFL Star JJ Watt Discusses Investment in England's Burnley FC
Former NFL star JJ Watt and his wife, former U.S. national team player Kealia Watt, announced they were investing in England's Burnley FC, which recently gained promotion to the Premier League. "Burnley ticked all the boxes -- the ownership, the team, the fanbase, the vision," Watt said, "And also the town, I think the town fits us well."
Load More