LL change to pitch count rules?

[clawdad]

I attended the Umpire Clinic this past weeknd (March 16-17) at Williamsport.  The threshold number is the number of pitches F1 has thrown at the beginning of the at bat.  So if the pitcher starts the at-bat starts with 19 pitches, and throws 20 pitches (or 30, or 50) to complete that at-bat, it is still ZERO days of rest.

 

I agree that the rule could be defined better, but I will go with what I was instructed @ LLHQ until they tell us otherwise.

[basejester]

"If a pitcher reaches a day(s) of rest threshold while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: 1. That batter reaches base; 2. That batter is retired; 3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning. The pitcher will only be required to observe the calendar day(s) of rest for the threshold he/she reached during that at-bat, provided that pitcher is removed before delivering a pitch to another batter."

1. If the pitcher is removed during an at bat this rule does not apply. i.e. pitcher starts at bat with 18 pitches, 4 pitches into the at bat the pitcher is removed. Pitch count for pitcher 22. The rule only applys if one of the three conditions happen.

Common sense tells us that the writers of the rule didn't intend to penalize the team for removing a pitcher for other reasons.

Now, look at the literal language. The 3 conditions are what bound his option to continue pitching under the current threshold.

"If a pitcher reaches a day(s) of rest threshold while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: 1. That batter reaches base; 2. That batter is retired; 3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning."

I think the following sentence applies even if he is removed by a voluntary pitching change:

"The pitcher will only be required to observe the calendar day(s) of rest for the threshold he/she reached during that at-bat, provided that pitcher is removed before delivering a pitch to another batter."

[basejester]

Here's another scenario that will be more common.

Team has a few players who are both competent pitchers and competent catchers.

Pitcher has thrown 34.

New batter comes up.

Manager thinks, "Cool, I can get one more batter. My pitchers will have one day of rest and still catch in this game."

Count goes full.

Batter fouls off a pitch.

Crap. That's 40.

Offensive managers will be either genuinely or conveniently interpret the rule the way I am and move that pitcher to catcher at 40 and then pitch him again after one day's rest.