Triple-A, Double-A leagues will have new rules to speed up the game this season

Baseball fans are counting down to opening day for the El Paso Chihuahuas second season.

And you’ll notice a change in the pace of play at Southwest University Park.

This is all thanks to new rules in Triple-A and Double-A.

The rules, which take effect on May 1, are designed to speed up the game.

The average Chihuahuas home game took more than three hours last season.

Pitchers and batters will have to adhere to a play clock this season.

Key Rule Changes

There will be two minutes and 25 seconds between innings.
Pitchers and batters must be ready to play 20 seconds before the start of an inning.
If a pitcher violates the play clock, it’s an automatic ball.
If a batter violates the play clock, it’s a strike.
Pitchers will have 20 seconds between pitches.

Opening day for the Chihuahuas is April 9.