Add New York Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge to the list of players who support the rule changes Major League Baseball implemented for the 2023 season.
Judge believes the elimination of the infield shift will allow players to showcase more of their defensive athleticism.
"I think it's going to be great action," Judge said Sunday, according to Greg Joyce of the New York Post. "You're going to see some athletic plays on defense where before, that ball's just hit right at the second baseman and he's throwing it to second or first. I'm looking forward to it. More hits, more athletic plays, it's just better for the game."
Judge is also a supporter of the new pitch-clock rule and thinks it could give hitters an edge over pitchers.
"I think you can play around with it a little bit. It definitely speeds up the game," he said. "Anything that keeps the pitcher moving and on the go and hopefully keep them out of breath, I'm looking forward to."
The pitch-clock rules require batters to be in the box and engaged with the pitcher with eight seconds remaining on the timer. If the umpire determines they aren't ready, an automatic strike can be assessed. Pitchers have 15 seconds to throw the pitch with the bases empty, or 20 seconds with runners on base, before an automatic ball is called.
