Astros' Tucker: Pitch clock gives pitchers 'advantage' over hitters

Houston Astros All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker believes the new pitch clock needs to be adjusted.

Following his first in-game experience with the clock Sunday, Tucker said he felt "rushed," according to Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.

"These pitchers are the best pitchers in the world, and you're giving them more of an advantage, and you have to rush in the box - it takes away some of the thought process that goes into hitting," Tucker said.

"I think it could be maybe a little longer, instead of just stepping out and stepping back in."

The new 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.

Tucker feels the current time restrictions will limit hitters' ability to make adjustments between pitches during an at-bat.

"I don't think there's as much thought process or much of an adjustment gameplan-wise in between pitches that you can do," Tucker said. "You have to do it super fast. That part kind of sucks because you want to take your time, understand what just happened and what they're about to do next."

Tucker singled in three at-bats during Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals but didn't receive any violations for not being ready in the batter's box within the appropriate time.