Kevin Gausman, a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, recently spoke out about the impact of rule changes on pitching in Major League Baseball. Gausman, who has been in the league for nine seasons, shared his thoughts on how changes such as the crackdown on foreign substances and the implementation of a pitch clock have affected pitchers like himself.

One of the biggest rule changes that has impacted pitching in recent years is the crackdown on foreign substances. Pitchers have long used substances like pine tar and sunscreen to improve their grip on the ball and increase spin rate, which can lead to more movement on pitches and make them harder to hit. However, MLB cracked down on the use of these substances in 2021, leading to a decrease in spin rates and an increase in batting averages across the league.

Gausman, who has been known for his high spin rates on his pitches, has seen a noticeable difference in his performance since the crackdown on foreign substances. In a recent interview, he stated that he has had to adjust his pitching style and focus more on location and movement rather than relying on spin rate to get outs.

Another rule change that has impacted pitching is the implementation of a pitch clock, which limits the amount of time pitchers have to deliver a pitch. The pitch clock was introduced in the minor leagues in 2015 and has since been implemented in MLB spring training games as well. Gausman noted that the pitch clock can put added pressure on pitchers to work quickly and can affect their rhythm on the mound.

Despite these challenges, Gausman remains optimistic about the future of pitching in MLB. He believes that pitchers will continue to adapt to rule changes and find ways to be successful on the mound. As a veteran pitcher, Gausman understands the importance of being able to adjust to new rules and regulations in order to stay competitive in the league.

In conclusion, rule changes such as the crackdown on foreign substances and the implementation of a pitch clock have had a significant impact on pitching in MLB. Pitchers like Kevin Gausman have had to adjust their pitching styles and strategies in order to remain effective on the mound. While these changes have presented challenges for pitchers, Gausman remains confident that they will continue to evolve and find ways to succeed in the ever-changing landscape of professional baseball.