pick off

He dove into scouting reports with first base coach Clayton McCullough on opposing pitchers’ timing and pick-off tendencies, coupling a cerebral component with his explosive raw foot speed.

Because of Ohtani’s bruise — which he sustained by getting hit with a pick-off throw last week — the Dodgers didn’t want him to have to get loose twice in one day.

Other times it’s on a failed pick-off attempt from the opposing pitcher throwing to first base.

“We just have to be better,” Roberts said, noting more pitch-outs and pick-off attempts might be necessary, too.

The bases are slightly bigger this year, but that’s a change you won’t notice, and MLB has also limited pick-off attempts with runners on base, which will marginally speed up play as well.