ESPN reported Tuesday night that instead of a pitcher throwing four pitches out of the strike zone, the walk will be awarded by a signal from the dugout. The change, which will take effect this season, was approved by the league and its union in an attempt to make baseball games shorter.
It's not certain how this rule change will affect the game, however The Wall Street Journal stated that the change would save an average of 14 seconds per game. Fans are also unhappy with the rule change, some mentioning that botched intentional walks have led to game-changing moments in baseball.