San Diego Padres star Manny Machado went down 0-1 in the count before even starting an at-bat Friday after he committed the first pitch clock violation of this year’s spring training. Here’s what you need to know:
- Machado, facing Seattle Mariners starter Robbie Ray in the bottom of the first inning, was docked a strike after not being set in the box and alert to the pitcher when the pitch clock reached eight seconds.
- The home plate umpire called a timeout and said “0-1” to signal the violation. Machado, a six-time All-Star, hit a single later in the at-bat and went 2-for-2 in four innings of play.
- Under new rules introduced this season, pitchers have 15 seconds to begin their delivery when no runners are on base and 20 seconds with runners on base. Batters are awarded a ball if the clock expires.
What Machado said about the incident
“I’m going to have to make a big adjustment,” Machado said, with a laugh, when asked about the infraction. “I might be 0-1 down a lot this year. It’s super fast. It’s definitely an adjustment period.”
Manny Machado sets MLB history with the 1st batters box infraction😂 and speaks with @heyscan following his 4 innings 🔊@Padres | #PadresST pic.twitter.com/4TtLH1MTHL
— Bally Sports San Diego (@BallySportsSD) February 24, 2023
Backstory
A slew of new rules for this season took effect as of the first day of spring training, including eliminating the shift and using larger bases in addition to the pitch clock rules. Friday’s Mariners-Padres game was the first of the preseason.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said last week that the rules are being implemented to “produce a crisp and exciting game.” He added that they are “not about changing the game” and instead about “making sure we put the very best form of baseball on the field.”
Required reading
- Mariners react to first game with a pitch clock: ‘I felt very rushed’
- MLB rule changes are coming to spring training: Get ready for ‘the s— show’
- MLB’s new rules: How pitch clock, shift ban and bigger bases will — and won’t — change the game
(Photo: Bill Streicher / USA Today)