Baseball’s 20-second action time with runners on base has been modified for the 2023 season, according to a decision made on Thursday by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel. The regulation states that a pitcher must begin throwing a pitch or making a pickoff throw when there are runners on base in order to stop a time violation. One step-off or false throw to a base will be permitted by each pitcher in order to restart the clock.
It would be considered the same as the pitcher stepping off the mound to start the clock if a defensive player asked for and was given a timeout by the umpire. Again, only one of these will be permitted for every batter. A ball will be added to the count if the 20 seconds pass without a pitch or pickoff throw being made. Previously, pitchers received a warning for the first infraction of the 20-second clock.
