New York Yankees shortstop José Caballero got under the skin of another opponent by manipulating the pitch clock during his at-bats.
Caballero and Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Dennis Santana exchanged words Monday during the eighth inning of the Yankees' 8-5 win, which resulted in both benches clearing.
Caballero grounded into an inning-ending 1-6-3 double play. Santana, who grew irritated after the plate umpire waved off a pitch earlier in the at-bat, gestured toward Caballero multiple times, heightening tensions.
Benches clear in the 8th inning of the Pirates-Yankees game in New York. pic.twitter.com/YR4SSFSHfp
— MLB (@MLB) July 21, 2026
"If you get frustrated, I'm winning," Caballero said postgame, according to Bryan Hoch and Bill Ladson of MLB.com. "For me, it's a battle in the box. I'm trying to win the battle. If you're not concentrating 100%, I think I'm winning."
Santana acknowledged that Caballero slowing down the at-bat threw the pitcher off.
"It was the game speed. I'm not used to that," Santana said. "People waiting too much at home plate; it frustrated me a little bit. With baseball, you have to be quick. It's nothing against him. It's just a game. I got caught up in the game."
Caballero also irritated the Toronto Blue Jays during a contest in June. He was issued a warning but later got clarification from MLB that his strategy is legal.
A hitter must be in the batter's box ready to engage the pitcher with eight seconds remaining on the pitch clock. The timer has 15 seconds with the bases empty and 18 seconds with runners on base.
"It's a rule that has been out there for four years now," Caballero added. "If you're not used to it, you should practice."
The Yankees and Pirates continue their three-game series Tuesday.
