San Diego Padres star third baseman Manny Machado was issued an automatic strike in his first at bat of spring training Friday after being caught lollygagging at the plate.
An automatic strike was called on Manny Machado because he took too long to get into the box pic.twitter.com/YSLnTtDSJh
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) February 24, 2023
While Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Robbie Ray was ready to deliver to Machado with the pitch clock ticking, the six-time All-Star took too long and was penalized by the home plate umpire.
Among the bevy of rule changes implemented by MLB this season is the pitch clock, where a pitcher has to deliver a pitch within 15 seconds when the bases are empty and within 20 seconds when runners are on base. The batter, meanwhile, must be "in the box and alert to the pitcher by the eight-second mark, or will be charged with an automatic strike."
Starting behind in the count didn't seem to bother Machado, as he eventually hit a single.
The 30-year-old made headlines last week when he confirmed that he plans to opt out of his contract with the Friars following this season. It was reported earlier this week that San Diego and Machado were $145 million apart in negotiations on a possible contract extension.
Whether Machado remains with the Padres remains to be seen, but he's definitely not alone in MLB players still trying to get used to the pitching clock.
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