Mets’ David Robertson sees a lot of problems with pitch clock: ‘Get rid of it’

Mets’ David Robertson sees a lot of problems with pitch clock: ‘Get rid of it’

If you asked David Robertson about his solution to the pitch clock, he wouldn’t hesitate to give you a direct answer.

“Get rid of it.”

The Mets right-hander has played in two spring training games, pitching two innings and recording one strikeout against seven batters.

Despite the lack of time on the mound thus far, Robertson stands tall on his take.

“I think it’s pretty ridiculous. It’s way too fast, especially when you’re just trying to have a conversation with your catcher and you don’t have any time,” he said to the Post’s Steve Serby. “That doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.”

The rule, among others, was implemented for the upcoming 2023 season to help America’s pastime reclaim some of its lost fans.

It may arguably be a saving grace for baseball in speeding up its pace, as in the past few years, the game has grown to be drawn-out and slow, and known for its lack of variety to keep viewers engaged.


New York Mets relief pitcher David Robertson has not taken a liking to the new pitch clock.New York Mets relief pitcher David Robertson has not taken a liking to the new pitch clock.Corey Sipkin for NY Post

Robertson, 37, acknowledged the speed factor, but he doesn’t believe in its benefits as others do.

“I think it’s just gonna speed up the game so fast that the fans aren’t really gonna know what’s happening … the fans in the seats,” he said.

“I don’t know. I imagine most people would agree with me on that one,” he continued. “Baseball, I don’t think needed that much of a change. I don’t think it needed the big bases and a pitch clock coming in. It’s already got enough things that have been added to it.”

The pitcher, who the Mets acquired from Philadelphia on a one-year $10 million deal, is not alone in his pitch clock troubles.

Carlos Carrasco was called twice for a pitch delay on Friday’s 6-1 victory over the Marlins, which added a ball to the count in each instance.

“I couldn’t hear [the PitchCom] that well, sometimes going on and off,” Carrasco said in regard to hearing catcher Francisco Alvarez’s call. “When something happens like that, I can call to the umpire, ‘PitchCom,’ and I can step off.”

With just eight exhibition games remaining, Robertson and company will have to adjust to a rule that doesn’t appear to be going anywhere.


New York Mets pitcher David Robertson photographed on photo day at Spring Training.New York Mets pitcher David Robertson is expected to have opportunities at closer in the wake of Edwin Diaz’s injury. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Especially in light of reliever Edwin Diaz’s right knee injury, the Mets will rely on others to get outs late in the game, and Robertson is one of the top in-house options.

Robertson has said he doesn’t view himself in a specific role within the bullpen and views any inning just as important as the last, despite his experience as a closer in the past.

“My plan coming here was to throw whenever Buck [Showalter] called on me and asked me to go pitch,” Robertson said. “It doesn’t matter to me when I pitch in the game, whether it’s the fifth through the ninth. But if I am asked to cover the ninth, I will do my best.”