Houston Astros starter Luis Garcia on what new MLB rules will mean for his windup

Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia is just one of hundreds of pitchers who will come face-to-face with a new pitch clock for the first time in their careers. However, the 26-year-old Venezuelan is determined not to let these rules impact his game.

The league's competition committee voted last September to enact some sweeping new rules for the MLB in 2023. Among them will be a pitch clock, giving pitchers 15 seconds to deliver with the bases empty, and 20 seconds when there is a runner on base.

Some have wondered if the rule will benefit the fluidity of play, or if it is just a way of shortening games and knocking pitchers off balance. Either way, pitchers will need to make major adjustments in 2023.

"End of an era. Astros pitcher Luis Garcia won't be able to 'rock the baby' anymore. More on how new rules will force him to alter his delivery." - Astros_Infobytes

Houston Astros starter Luis Garcia is known for his signature "rock the baby" move before he delivers his pitches. Under the new rules, there will not be enough time for Garcia to rock the ball in his glove before throwing the ball to home plate.

Speaking to Mark Berman of the Houston-based Fox 26 channel, Garcia eschewed notions that the new clock will inhibit his performance.

He referenced his fellow Astros starters Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier as models to follow. Garcia stated:

“Like a normal guy. You can see Framber, Javier throwing. I’ll be like that.”

"Luis García is adjusting to the new rules that have caused him to change his delivery: 'Like a normal guy. You can see Framber, Javier throwing. I’ll be like that.'” - @ Mark Berman

The Houston Astros were the second-best pitching team in the MLB in 2022, with a team ERA just over that of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although they will need to adjust without their Cy Young winner Justin Verlander, who signed with the New York Mets this offseason, they still boast some strong names.

In 2022, Framber Valdez was the best pitcher for the Astros after Justin Verlander. In 31 starts, he compiled a record of 17-6 and an ERA of just 2.82. Cristian Javier also had a strong season, posting an ERA of 2.54 in 25 starts.

Luis Garcia pitched a career-high 157 innings last season. He struck out 157 batters, going 15-8 with an ERA of 3.72.

Luis Garcia has the best in the business to help him with transition

The hallmark of an effective pitcher is the ability to adapt your game to changing situations. Although Luis Garcia's windup was a trademark, he will have world-class pitching teammates to use as foundational support as he works to iron out what will work for him with the season fast approaching.