We know that the pitch clock is going to add some new wrinkles to the 2023 Major League Baseball season.
We’ve already seen batters get assessed a strike for something a baserunner did (or didn’t do).
Now, we’ve got an ejection that stemmed from a strikeout caused by a pitch clock violation. And it’s causing the MLB world to have some conflicting thoughts.
San Diego Padres star Manny Machado was staring down a 3-2 count in the first inning on Tuesday when he took too long to get in the batter’s box. Umpire Ron Kulpa called strike three due to the violation and Machado immediately started arguing. Kulpa then ejected Machado over something he said, ending the slugger’s day very early.
Welp.
Padres star Manny Machado strikes out… on a pitch clock violation. And then he’s ejected after arguing the call. ⚾️⏰👮♂️pic.twitter.com/Yk61KMxM2a
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 4, 2023
This is exactly the kind of situation that we’ve been waiting to see this season. You could make the case that Machado should have known the rules and gotten into the batter’s box sooner. You could also make the case that the umpire didn’t need to toss him over the violation, given how this is all very new for everyone and bound to be frustrating when it leads to a strikeout and the end of an inning.
The MLB world was mixed in its reaction to the moment. Some felt that Machado deserved what he got while others thought that Kulpa was overzealous in throwing the Padres star out of the game over it.
He didn't call time until AFTER clock reached 8…100% right call and this is actually exactly what the rule is meant for. Rare I will say it, but well handled by the ump! https://t.co/rn84U9BvDN
— Shaun Kernahan (@ShaunKernahan) April 4, 2023
https://twitter.com/ScottSCroker/status/1643354891291869185
The umpire was 100% correct to call him out. Machado didn't attempt to call time until after his time expired.
The umpire was 100% wrong to eject him. He was walking away, let it go. https://t.co/by4bCHCDto
— Matt Burnell (@mdburnell) April 4, 2023
Machado's gotta learn the rules, man. https://t.co/DCxFMp67Tx
— Joshua Buckley (@joshuabuckley) April 4, 2023
https://twitter.com/RandallPnkFloyd/status/1643353437227323392
