MLB may make unilateral rule changes for 2018

PHOENIX (AP) — Major League Baseball intends give the players’ association the required one-year advance notice that would allow management to unilaterally change the strike zone, install pitch clocks and limit trips to the pitcher’s mound starting in 2018.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement Tuesday after union head Tony Clark said he did not foresee players agreeing to the changes for 2017. Under baseball’s labor contract, management can make changes to playing rules only with agreement from the union — unless it gives one year notice. With the one year of notice, management can make changes on its own.

Manfred said while he prefers an agreement, “I’m also not willing to walk away.”