Bullpen Cart Returns as MLB Speeds Up Pace of Play, D-Backs to Be 1st to Feature

As Major League Baseball seeks to speed up the pace of play, one team will look to the past to do its part.

The Arizona Diamondbacks will bring the bullpen cart back to life:

Arizona has purchased two customized golf carts for transporting relievers to the mound, per ESPN.com's Darren Rovell. Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall explained the reasoning for bringing back the iconic vehicle: "I think it wore out its welcome. There were these new stadiums, and the focus shifted to the guys running through gates and onto the mound. We think the time is right to bring it back."  

It's ironic Arizona is the first team to toy with this idea again. Per Rovell, a bullpen cart last made an appearance at a major league game in 1995—three years before the Diamondbacks' first game as a franchise. In other words, this will be the first time the team will have the opportunity to drive its relievers in from the bullpen.  

The reasoning behind the move could be as simple as wanting to shave minutes off games. Perhaps it could keep pitchers from tiring themselves out before they even throw a pitch. Or, as Rovell noted, there could be financial gains involved: The Diamondbacks have sold their bullpen cart sponsorship to delivery company OnTrac.  

Whatever the reasoning, the bullpen cart adds a unique aspect to the game no other sport has.