With the new MLB rules, players knew they were going to need to make adjustments — particularly when it comes to a hitter’s at-bat routine. The days of adjusting batting gloves for 20 seconds are over, and Manny Machado learned that the hard way on Tuesday.
The Padres star was ejected during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks after he was initially called for a clock violation and automatic third strike. The new MLB rules require hitters to be in the box and alert to the pitch by the eight-second mark. Replays showed that Machado was adjusting his batting gloves before attempting to call time right at eight seconds.
Zac Gallen gets Machado to go down not looking. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/111uFWDOB3
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 4, 2023
As home plate umpire Ron Kulpa tried to explain to Machado that the timeout wasn’t signaled in time (clock already showed eight seconds when the hand raised), manager Bob Melvin came out from the dugout in an attempt to cool down Machado.
By then, it was too late. Machado had choice words for Kulpa who quickly signaled the ejection.
Manny Machado struck out due to a pitch clock violation, and was subsequently ejected for arguing the decision. pic.twitter.com/8nunHfDY2j
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) April 4, 2023
But hey, if you’re going to get ejected, at least make it meaningful. Machado made history as the first player to get ejected over the pitch clock in the regular season.