Yankees' Caballero hit with pitch clock violation in crackdown

ESPN • July 22, 2026 • sports

Key Points:

New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero was penalized by MLB for a pitch clock violation due to his habit of delaying acknowledgment of the pitcher until near the eight-second mark, which MLB deemed deceptive.
The enforcement led to a strikeout and the ejection of Yankees hitting coach James Rowson during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, escalating tensions between the teams.
MLB clarified that Caballero's routine, which involves looking down and avoiding eye contact with the pitcher to delay the pitch, violates Pace of Game Procedures aimed at preventing batters from deceiving pitchers.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed frustration over the lack of prior notice from MLB about the stricter enforcement, calling the situation embarrassing and highlighting the challenge it poses to Caballero's usual approach.
Caballero maintains he is being unfairly singled out, insisting his routine is consistent and not intended to trick pitchers, and worries that the enforcement gives pitchers undue control over pitch timing.

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