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An Anonymous Coward writes:

Major League Baseball is about to make a major rule change, altering how intentional walks are handed out.

Instead of a pitcher throwing four pitches out of the strike zone, the walk will be awarded by a signal from the dugout, ESPN reported Tuesday night.

The network said the league and its union have agreed to the change, which will take effect this season.

MLB has been trying to make its games shorter.

However, The Wall Street Journal said last week that the change would save an average of 14 seconds per game.

Fans are not happy about the change, with many pointing out that botched intentional walks have led to game-changing moments.

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