New York Yankees infielder Jose Caballero's pitch-clock maneuvers irked multiple parties earlier this week.On Monday night, the benches cleared against the Pittsburgh Pirates after pitcher Dennis Santana had some choice words for Caballero, and two days later, hot mics caught Caballero in a heated discussion with an umpire.In short, Caballero has become notorious for waiting until the last possible second to make eye-contact with the pitcher, which, in the pitch-clock era, is required before a pitcher comes set or starts his windup.Batters and pitchers have until there are eight seconds left to become alert with the opponent.New York Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero reacts after being called for a clock violation by home plate umpire Quinn Wolcott during the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on July 22, 2026.
(John Jones/Imagn Images)Caballero did his usual on Wednesday afternoon, though, and was promptly called for a violation before striking out, despite even looking up a second earlier.Mics picked up Caballero saying that the umpire was "picking on" him.
Home plate umpire Quinn Wolcott said Caballero did not "get to do the three-four seconds thing in the box anymore."Caballero replied that he had been "doing my f—ing routine," and manager Aaron Boone said the umps were "making up rules as we go."Manager Aaron Boone said that neither he nor anyone else on the Yankees were made aware that Caballero could potentially be called for violations.However, Wolcott cited the MLB rules, which state that maneuvers by batters "to deceive a pitcher into beginning their windup or coming to the set position" will first result in warnings before being called for pitch-clock violations.Crew chief Adrian Johnson said Caballero has "been warned all season," prompting a change in how he is dealt with.New York Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero walks off the field after benches cleared during the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates ...