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
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The changes to the game are pretty significant for this upcoming season and it will be interesting to see what ramifications they have.
March Madness is heading to the Sweet 16 without a handful of top teams. Two No. 1 seeds, Kansas and Purdue, No. 2 seed Arizona and No. 4 seed Virginia are all gone — and gone with them are millions of busted brackets.
A total of 33 states and the District of Columbia now allow at least some form of sports wagering, but the prospects are mixed for expanding sports betting to additional states this year.
March Madness isn’t just about filling out — and later trashing — brackets. There are more ways to bet the field in the NCAA Tournament, an event that will consume basketball fans over the next three weeks.
The University of Alabama is the men's college basketball No. 1 seed overall for March Madness after CBS and the NCAA held their annual Selection Sunday.
Fill out your brackets because March Madness is here! Here is what college basketball fans (and the millions playing office pools) need to know, including the favorites and underdogs, key games and how to watch the women’s NCAA tournament.
Fill out your bracket because March Madness is here! Here is what college basketball fans (and the millions playing office pools) need to know, including the favorites and underdogs, key games and how to watch the men’s NCAA tournament.
