MLB Has Started Issuing Warnings To Those Violating Pace-Of-Play Rules

This offseason, MLB instituted a handful of new rules aimed at speeding up games. Less than a week into the season, the league seems to be making an effort to stay on top of the enforcement of these new rules.

The new rules require batters to keep at least one foot in the batter’s box throughout an at-bat, and for play to resume promptly once broadcasts return from a commercial break. According to an MLB spokesman, the league has sent 10 letters to players who have already violated the rules, warning them that they will be fined if the violations continue.

There will surely be some fines in the coming days as hitters continue to adjust to the new rule, because it’s going to be hard for a lot of guys to break from the routines they’ve grown accustomed to over the years. Just ask Adrian Beltre:

It’s good to see the league staying on top of this early in the season, though, and it’s also nice to know that players like Beltre are being mindful of the new rules during games. Here’s hoping games of a more tolerable length are in our future.