Cubs’ Stroman Called for MLB’s First Regular Season Pitch Clock Violation

The Chicago starter made history on Thursday in the team’s opener at Wrigley Field.

One of several rule changes to Major League Baseball for the 2023 season is the utilization of the pitch clock.

The new rule stipulates that a pitcher has 15 seconds to begin the motion to throw a pitch with the bases empty and 20 seconds to begin the motion with runners on base. If the pitcher fails to begin his delivery prior to the timer expiring, he is charged with a ball.

Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman made history on Thursday afternoon, becoming the first pitcher in Major League history to violate the pitch clock in a regular season game.

The violation came in the third inning against the Brewers, as Stroman looked back at Brewers base runner Brice Turang, who was leading off second base. As Stroman turned to deliver the pitch home to Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich, home plate umpire Ron Kulpa called the violation on Stroman.

Marcus Stroman has been called for the first regular season pitch-clock violation in MLB history pic.twitter.com/hqQ1MUmfy4

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 30, 2023

The 1–2 count went to 2–2 upon the violation of the rule by Stroman.