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Watch: Manny Machado ejected after arguing pitch clock violation

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 4/4/23

Through the first week of the 2023 Major League Baseball season, the new pitch clock has received strong reviews for speeding up games and improving the pace of play. There is still an adjustment period happening, and San Diego Padres star Manny Machado found that out the hard way on Tuesday afternoon.

Machado was ejected in the bottom of the first inning after arguing a pitch clock violation that resulted in an automatically called strike.

That strike was the third strike of the at-bat, thus ending the inning and the Padres' threat to tack on more runs against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Have a look.

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

The new pitch clock rules require the hitter to be in the batter's box and engaged with the pitcher when the clock reaches eight seconds. They are allowed one timeout per at-bat. It seemed that Machado attempted to call timeout prior to the automatic strike being called, but the home plate umpire obviously did not consider it called in time.

That resulted in the strike call, which led to the strikeout, and ended the inning, leading to Machado's argument and ejection.

There will come a point where players will adjust and be used to the new rules, but there are clearly still going to be some growing pains for everybody—including players and umpires alike.

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