Multiple reports say the New York Yankees are upset with Major League Baseball over enforcement of the pitch-timer rules involving their shortstop, José Caballero. During the first game of a Wednesday doubleheader, Caballero is penalized for a pitch-timer violation, with an umpire crew issuing an automatic strike after he was called for failing to comply with the required pre-pitch procedure. The situation occurs with two outs and a runner on base in the sixth inning. Accounts describe the call as another episode in an ongoing pitch-clock controversy tied to Caballero’s pre-pitch routine and how quickly he enters the batter’s box.
The Athletic reports Caballero believes MLB is “picking on” him and that recent changes in how the rule is enforced have increased his frustration. Yahoo Sports and other Yahoo reporting say MLB has reportedly told umpires to crack down more broadly on gamesmanship, including tactics that can be used to gain an advantage in the batter’s box. The Yankees question the handling of the incident, describing it in critical terms, while the league maintains enforcement of the pitch-timer rules.
