MLB velocity, shifts set records; average lowest since 1968
NEW YORK — (AP) — Higher velocity and increased shifts led to the major league batting average dropping to .243, its lowest since 1968. Defensive shifts and 100 mph pitches set records this season, contributing to the worrisome offensive decline Major League Baseball is trying to address. When the average dropped this low more than a half-century ago, MLB lowered the pitcher’s mound. Batting average for left-handed hitters was .236 this year, down from .254 in 2016, when lefties were one point below the big league average. There were 3,356 pitches of 100 mph of more, 0.05% of the major league total of 703,918, according to MLB Statcast.
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