Manny Machado Learns the Hard Way: MLB’s Pitch Clock is Here to Stay

Manny Machado may have just become the answer to a baseball trivia question. The San Diego Padres’ star was the first MLB player called for a pitch clock violation in the 2021 spring training in Arizona. His offense? Not being ready in the batter’s box with eight seconds remaining on the clock.

The league’s new pitch clock rules require pitchers to start their deliveries after receiving the ball from the catcher within 15 seconds when the bases are empty and 20 seconds with runners on base. Batters must also be ready in the box with eight seconds left. If the pitcher or batter violate the rules, it results in an automatic ball or strike, respectively.

Home plate umpire Ryan Blakney added an automatic strike for Machado’s violation, putting Machado behind 0-1 against Seattle Mariners pitcher Robbie Ray. Despite the disadvantage, Machado hit a single on the next pitch and finished the day 2-for-2.

After exiting the game, Machado told the Bally Sports San Diego broadcast that it might take him a while to get used to the change. Machado said, \”I’m going to have to make a big adjustment. I might be 0-1 down a lot this year. It’s super fast. There’s definitely going to be an adjustment period, but going down in the history books.\”

The new pitch clock rules, along with larger bases, a ban on the shift, and more stringent balk rules, are the dominant story in spring training this year. While the long-expected clock has been seen as a potential menace to pitchers, many have insisted they actually gain an edge playing with the new countdown. Machado’s unfortunate experience is a quiet indication that pitchers may have a point.

Everyone on the field still has more than a month to get used to MLB’s faster pace and the new pitch clock rules. Until then, Machado will remain the answer to a baseball trivia question.