Report: MLB discussing time limit for managers during replay challenges
In an effort to continue to improve the pace of play during games, Major League Baseball appears to be looking into a potential change involving big-league managers and instant replay challenges.
MLB is interested in instituting a 30-second time limit for managers to decide if they do or don't want to challenge an umpire's call on the field, according to a source of ESPN's Jayson Stark.
Under the current rule, managers are expected to challenge a call on the field "immediately," but there is no set time and managers usually cause lengthy delays by waiting for confirmation from members in charge of the team's internal replay before challenging.
A source also tells Stark that MLB has spoken with the umpires' union about the possibility of umpires speeding up decisions in the replay center, with a two-minute guideline being discussed, pending any extenuating circumstances.
According to Stark, MLB's data from last season showed a decrease in the time it took during the replay process, dropping from 1 minute 51 seconds in 2015 to 1 minute 36 seconds last season.