Perrotto: Pirates Will Soon Learn How They’re Adjusting to New Rules (+)

BRADENTON, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates, like every other major-league team, have had a little more than a month to adapt to the most sweeping set of rule changes in baseball history.

Now, after playing 30 Grapefruit League games during spring training – with the last one coming on Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins at LECOM Park — the Pirates are about to find out just how well they have adjusted.

The regular season begins Thursday, and the Pirates open by playing the Reds in Cincinnati. The rules, like the games themselves, become real then.

The new rules include pitch clocks and bigger bases along with limits on defensive shifts and pickoff throws by pitchers. The modifications are designed to quicken the pace of games and help boost offense.