Yankees manager Boone explains frustration over Caballero pitch clock dispute

Yankees manager Aaron Boone did not hold back when asked about utility player José Caballero before the team acquired him in 2025, stating with a smile and laugh, "I didn't like him." Caballero's on-field tactics have long been documented, as he demonstrates a knack for frustrating pitchers at the plate.

This week, his approach led to a confrontation that emptied the benches during the first game of a doubleheader against the Pirates. Pirates pitcher Dennis Santana became agitated by Caballero's manipulation of the pitch clock, which resulted in a pitch being called before Caballero hit into a double play. The most recent incident occurred during the Yankees' 5-3 loss in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader.

With a runner on base and two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning, Caballero received an automatic strike for a pitch clock violation. This was the same maneuver Caballero often employs, waiting until the last second to become alert to the pitcher when eight seconds remain on the clock. Caballero argued with home plate umpire Quinn Wolcott, who was heard saying, "You can't take three or four seconds in the box anymore." According to Boone, the umpiring crew determined Caballero was attempting to "game the pitcher" with his routine.

Following the game, Boone stated the Yankees' disagreement stemmed from not being informed about this change in interpretation before the latest incident, especially given ongoing dialogue between the club and the league regarding Caballero's approach to the pitch clock rule. "I've been told very specifically time and time again when we've had issues, when I've had my conversations with the league: [Caballero] has to be alert to the eight seconds," Boone said. "That's making sure Cabby looks up at the nine [seconds], just making sure he's ready. That's very specifically what I've been told. And today was something different. And we weren't notified."

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No me agradaba