Third base umpire Dan Bellino, left talks briefly with Colorado Rockies third baseman Mike Moustakas as players take the field for a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in Denver. Small talk has become an artifact from a past time in Major League Baseball as the pitch clock—and the penalties that can be handed out for violating the new rules that have come with it—has reduced socialization on the diamond. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

DENVER (AP) — The pitch clock hasn’t just made baseball quicker. It’s quieter now, too. Players are finding that there’s no time for small talk amid Major League Baseball’s new pace-of-play initiative. The pitch clock’s 15 seconds — 20 when someone’s on base — goes by fast at the plate. The penalty for idle chatter could be stiff, with a called strike on the hitter. Social hour just has to wait. Same way on the bases. There’s no real chance to talk shop on the field with former teammates, good friends or even the umpires working the game.