It's a common directive from coaches as their players get ready to step into the batter's box. They adjust their gloves, tap their cleats and move their helmet to just the right spot.

A batter is equipped with a helmet in case of a wild pitch or errant throw on the base path. A pitcher, tasked with fielding the "right up the middle" part of the diamond on 1/3 of a second of reaction time, has none.

Major League Baseball has approved a new product to help protect pitchers' from head injuries, according to an Outside the Lines report. The product is designed by isoBlox and wil be sewn into New Era caps for those who want to use it. Use is optional.

"We're excited to have a product that meets our safety criteria," MLB executive vice president for labor relations Dan Halem told "Outside the Lines." "MLB is committed to working with manufacturers to develop products that offer maximum protection to our players, and we're not stopping at all."

The product is a padding inserted into the inside of the cap that expands it a 1/2 inch in the front and one inch at the temples. It is designed to provide protection for line drives of 90 mph from the front and 85 mph at the sides. The design is meant to diffuse the energy from the impact of the hit. Forty percent of the pitcher's head will be protected by the padding.

MLB is looking to prevent injuries such as the life-threatening line drive then-Oakland A's pitcher Brandon McCarthy took to the head in 2012. McCarthy needed emergency brain surgery and has been vocal about finding protection for pitchers and calling out those who may deem the move as baseball players being soft.


PROTECTIVE CAP-LESS


Brandon McCarthy was hit in the head by a life-threatening line drive in 2012 and has advocated for equipment to protect pitcher's ever since.

But he said he won't wear MLB's newly approved protective cap, according to ESPN.

McCarthy has been working with MLB and isoBlox, the company making the hats, but said he told them before the announcement he didn't think it was ready, per ESPN.

"The technology is there," he told ESPN. "It helps. It's proven to help. But I don't think it's ready yet, as a major league-ready product. And I told them that. I told them that's where it's at."

The three reasons McCarthy told ESPN he won't be wearing the hat:

1. "Doesn't pass the eye test" — The padding that's added to the hat is one-half inch thicker in the front and one inch thicker on the sides. McCarthy feels it's too big and pitchers can tell it's there, a no-no for getting in the zone and focusing on pitching.

2. "Too hot" — The padding adds an extra seven ounces to the already three-to-four ounce cap, a problem for warm-weather outings.

3. Doesn't feel like other caps feel or fit as snugly as other caps fit — McCarthy said when the pitcher's head moves while wearing it, even if it's the slightest movement, it's noticeable.


BURNETT TO PITCH IN 2014


The free agent pitching market added another member. A.J. Burnett plans to return in 2014, a source told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

The 15-year-veteran led the National League in strikeouts per nine innings (9.848) and ranked fifth in total strikeouts (209) with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season but was possibly mulling retirement. He had a 10-11 record and 3.30 ERA. The source told the Tribune-Review he thinks Burnett will open himself up to the market. He spent the previous two season with the Pirates.

Burnett, 37, made $16.5 million last season with $8 million paid by the Yankees, who traded him after the 2011 season. Burnett has also made stops with the Marlins and Blue Jays.


CHAPMAN, REDS AGREE TO DEAL


Closer Aroldis Chapman agreed to a $5 million, one-year contract Tuesday, leaving the Cincinnati Reds with only starting pitcher Homer Bailey left in arbitration.

Chapman and the Reds split the difference on their arbitration figures. The club had offered $4.6 million while Chapman asked for $5.4 million.

The Reds were far apart with Bailey, who asked for $11.6 million and was offered $8.7 million. If they can't reach a deal, a hearing would be held next month.

Bailey went 11-12 last season with a 3.49 ERA and a club-high 199 strikeouts. He also pitched his second no-hitter in two years.

Chapman went 4-5 with 38 saves and a 2.54 ERA in 68 appearances last season with 112 strikeouts in 63 2/3 innings.

Contributors: Cassandra Negley, The Associated Press