They put the shot clock to the test in pre-season

By the time Cubs outfielder Brennen Davis saw Arizona’s Joe Mantiply pitch, the count was one ball and one strike.

The batter and pitcher were both penalized early in Davis’ at-bat to start the third in Monday’s exhibition game, another odd twist with the new rules. After Mantiply came in relief, he took too long on his warm-up pitches; Davis took too long to get ready to pitch.

MLB approved a new shot clock this season, and every day is a new experience for players trying to get used to spring training.

“I like the idea of ​​shorter games,” reliever Matt Barnes said. “In Boston, we played a nine-and-four-and-a-half-hour game on Tuesday in New York. It’s not funny.”

So far it has worked.

The new rules, which also limit the number of times a pitcher can throw to first base, have cut exhibition duels from just over 20 minutes on opening weekend to three hours and a half. minute at 2:39.

THE RETURN OF THE STARS

Houston star infielders José Altuve and Jeremy Peña make their preseason debuts in a 4-3 loss to the Marlins in West Palm Beach, Fla. The two went hitless in three at bats, but turned into a double play in the fourth.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said he hopes Altuve and Pena play together enough in spring training before heading to the World Classic. Altuve will play with Venezuela and Peña with the Dominican Republic.

“Guys have to really get to know each other,” admitted Baker. “Especially now in defense, you really have to know each other’s range and where they are in the double plays.”

HURT

Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux fell while dropping from second to third in Monday’s game against the San Diego Padres and had to be assisted while holding on to his right leg.

Rays pitcher Tyler Glasnow pitched just six times before having to cut batting practice out with a tight abdominal muscle, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

THEY ARE WILLING

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol and referee CB Bucknor shook hands as they exchanged lineup cards before the game after Bucknor declined on Sunday.

“They raised me and brought me into this organization to do exactly what I did today,” Marmol admitted. “You go to the plate. You give him the line-up card and shake hands with the four match officials.”

The spat dates back to a duel last season when Bucknor ejected Marmol and the manager claimed Bucknor ‘has no class’.

OF YESTERDAY

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said there will be no shot clock for Tuesday’s game against Tampa on Disney’s ESPN Wide World Sports because the facility is not equipped.