Benches clear in Pirates-Yankees game after Dennis Santana shouts at Jose Caballero
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dennis Santana yelled at teammate Jose Caballero for taking too long to get ready in the batter’s box, sparking a heated altercation during an 8-5 loss to the New York Yankees.
- The incident occurred after Caballero grounded into a double play in the eighth inning, with Santana frustrated by Caballero's slow pace despite the pitch clock rule requiring hitters to be ready with eight seconds remaining.
- Caballero defended his approach, stating the league should be aware of his style and that frustration should be directed at the rule, not him.
- Caballero has a history of deliberately delaying at-bats, which has annoyed opponents including the Yankees, who previously warned him about intentional delays during a game in June 2024.
- The confrontation was quickly defused without punches or ejections, with Pirates manager Don Kelly calling it a minor incident driven by frustration.
