MLB Targets José Caballero for Pitch Clock Violation

New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero has faced scrutiny from Major League Baseball for his approach to the pitch clock, sparking disputes and penalties. Caballero’s routine involves waiting until the pitch clock reaches eight seconds before acknowledging the pitcher. MLB communicated to umpires that this practice was deceptive.

Umpire Quinn Wolcott charged Caballero with a pitch-clock violation in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, resulting in a strikeout and the ejection of Yankees hitting coach James Rowson. The Yankees lost the doubleheader opener 5-3 in 10 innings.

Caballero expressed frustration about being singled out. He stated, “I’ve seen other guys do some other things and they don’t call anything on them. They’re just picking on me.” Caballero, acquired from Tampa Bay in July last year, has transformed Yankees manager Aaron Boone’s opinion about him. Boone said, “He’s one of those guys I would yell at from the dugout. He was a pest and I didn’t like it. Now I like him because he’s a good player and he’s on our side.”

In a previous game against Toronto, Caballero delayed lifting his head until eight seconds remained on the clock, resulting in a warning from plate umpire Steven Jaschinsk. This caused a delay as the situation was discussed among Caballero, the umpires, and Boone.

Caballero’s routine has been a point of contention, causing benches to clear during a series opener against the Pirates after pitcher Dennis Santana complained about Caballero’s prolonged entry into the batter’s box. Wolcott issued another violation on Wednesday, citing Caballero for a prolonged setup. A two-and-a-half-minute delay ensued, and Caballero struck out.

Wolcott explained, “He’s not allowed to do an inordinate amount of time looking down, trying to get the pitcher to cause a violation. There’s no other hitter that takes the amount of time that Caballero does.” MLB introduced the pitch clock in 2023 to shorten game times, setting 15 and 18-second limits for pitches without and with runners, respectively.

MLB’s Pace of Game Procedures note that conduct intended to deceive pitchers is against regulations. Crew chief Adrian Johnson indicated MLB intervened due to the previous conflict, saying, “It’s not allowed anymore and they wanted it enforced.”

Boone criticized MLB for not informing the Yankees about its stance change, adding, “It’s embarrassing.” He advised Caballero to ensure he was alert by nine seconds to comply with MLB rules. Caballero, feeling targeted, questioned the logic behind the rule, stating, “Deceiving kind of means you’re trying to trick someone and I’m not trying to trick someone.”

MLB issued a memo warning players not to keep a foot out of the batter’s box continuously, a move referred to as “the Willson rule” by Willson Contreras. Caballero feels singled out, saying, “For everyone, it is eight seconds. For me was nine.” Concerned about pitchers controlling timing, Caballero explained, “If I get in the box and they have 16, 17 seconds left, they can hold the ball on me all that time and I’d be tied up.”