Pitchers now able to wear PitchCom transmitters in '23
Beginning this season, catchers won't be the only ones able to call pitches using PitchCom technology, which was introduced across the Major Leagues in 2022. MLB informed clubs on Friday that pitchers will be able to call their own pitches using a PitchCom device after successful experimentation during Spring Training.
The new rule will allow for each of the 30 clubs to be in possession of three PitchCom transmitters (used for calling pitches) and 12 receivers (ear pieces used for hearing the pitch call). At any one time, two transmitters are permitted to be in use on the field -- one for the pitcher and one for the catcher -- and up to five receivers in total can be worn by the defensive team.
The PitchCom transmitters, which are wristband-like devices with buttons for calling a specific pitch and location, will be worn either on the pitcher's belt or on the back of his glove.
Some pitchers have opted to use PitchCom transmitters from the mound during Cactus League and Grapefruit League play this spring, including veteran starters Zack Greinke, Max Scherzer and Adam Wainwright. Greinke even shook himself off a few times during his experimentation with the technology.
With MLB implementing a pitch timer, among other new rules being introduced in 2023, PitchCom transmitters may benefit pitchers as they focus on selecting their pitch and beginning their delivery before the timer winds down to zero.
“I throw a lot of pitches and just won’t be able to throw the pitch I want a lot of times if I can’t use that," Greinke said after making his spring debut on Feb. 27. "I really hope it’s allowed.”
PitchCom transmitters for pitchers will, indeed, be allowed in 2023 as the technology continues to be a helpful improvement to in-game pitcher-catcher communication.