New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero was charged with a pitch clock violation by plate umpire Quinn Wolcott in the sixth inning of a doubleheader opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates, leading to a called third strike that stranded a runner and the ejection of hitting coach James Rowson. The Yankees lost the game 5-3 in 10 innings. Wolcott said Caballero’s habit of waiting until the pitch clock reached eight seconds before acknowledging the pitcher constituted deception under MLB’s Pace of Game Procedures.

MLB had previously warned Caballero on June 14 during a game at Toronto, when plate umpire Steven Jaschinski issued a warning after he twice delayed his head raise until eight seconds remained. That incident prompted a lengthy discussion involving Caballero, Jaschinski, manager Aaron Boone, and crew chief John Tumpane, and benches cleared later that night after Pirates reliever Dennis Santana confronted him.

Since the pitch clock’s adoption in 2023, MLB enforces 15 seconds with no runners and 18 seconds with runners (since 2024). Crew chief Adrian Johnson said the league stepped in after Monday night’s bench‑clearing situation, instructing umpires not to warn Caballero but to call a violation. Boone noted MLB did not inform the Yankees beforehand and advised Caballero to "make sure you're looking up at nine so that you are alert by eight."

Caballero protested, saying he felt singled out: "For everyone, it is eight seconds. For me was nine," and argued his routine was consistent, not deceptive, adding that he worries pitchers could exploit the timing if he complies.