NEW YORK – Jose Caballero’s affected person pitch clock ways can typically drive opposing groups mad.
But preventing mad?
That’s the way it appeared throughout Monday evening’s eighth inning at Yankee Stadium, when Pirates reliever Dennis Santana charged on the Yankees shortstop and shouted at him.
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Players from each benches and bullpens rapidly raced onto the sector, however that sudden mixer didn’t final lengthy and there have been no ejections.
After the Yankees’ 8-5 victory, Santana mainly stated his personal frustration was accountable.
“It’s nothing in opposition to him,’’ stated Santana. “I received caught up within the recreation.’’
Banter between Santana, Caballero
Jul 20, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dennis Santana (60) is held again by catcher Rafael Flores Jr. (43) as benches cleared through the eighth inning in opposition to the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Santana was the newest pitcher to develop irritated by Caballero’s wait-wait-wait earlier than participating, usually proper on the eight-second restrict.
This time, it was solely a three-pitch at-bat, leading to Caballero grounding into an inning-ending double play.
As Caballero turned towards first base coach Dan Fiorito, he was shocked that Santana was approaching and jawing at him.
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“He received what he wished,’’ Caballero stated of the DP to finish the eighth. “He ought to go to the opposite facet. He was strolling on the unsuitable facet.’’
Three separate instances, a livid Santana needed to be held again by teammates. An hour later, Santana admitted to frustration over Caballero’s pitch clock routine.
“He can do no matter he needs. But we had been already shedding (and I simply stated) one thing to him,’’ stated Santana. “And whereas I used to be speaking, I see all people (rush onto) the sector.’’
Essentially, Santana was yelling about Caballero taking an excessive amount of time on the plate.
“It’s been a tricky season for me proper now,’’ stated Santana, with a 6.05 ERA in 44 video games. “But that doesn’t have something to do with (Monday’s recreation). I had a clear inning.’’
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Santana appeared in 23 video games for the 2024 Yankees, earlier than the Pirates claimed him in June of that season.
Caballero and Santana every stated they don’t have any prior historical past, however Santana stated he was considerably conscious of Caballero’s at-bat ways previous to Monday.
Jose Caballero’s routine defined
Jul 20, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero (72) forces out Pittsburgh Pirates proper fielder Ryan O’Hearn (29) at second base and throws to first to finish the double play on a ball hit by designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (not pictured) through the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
“At this level, he’s fortunate he doesn’t get (referred to as for a) ball straight away,’’ Caballero stated of Santana’s drawback along with his at-bat.
“We all ought to know concerning the guidelines. The entire league ought to know who I’m, what I do on the field,’’’ stated Caballero, including that Santana “shouldn’t be mad’’ at him for taking part in by a league rule.
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“You ought to be mad at another person.’’
Yanks supervisor Aaron Boone is on board with Caballero’s ways.
“It’s a part of his technique of getting mentally able to hit,’’ stated Boone, who defended Caballero earlier this yr, when he was warned by an umpiring crew about engagement.
“I take my time. I don’t need them to mess with my time. I do my routine as at all times,’’ stated Caballero. “If you get pissed off, I’m successful.
“For me, it’s a battle on the field and I’m making an attempt to win the battle.’’
This article initially appeared on NorthJersey.com: Jose Caballero’s “routine” sparks Yankees-Pirates bench clearer