New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer had a double play wiped out during his spring training start on Friday against the Washington Nationals due to a pitch clock violation.
Max Scherzer has now received a violation after failing to throw a pitch before the clock reached 0. pic.twitter.com/ZM4mKmyzSz
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 3, 2023
The negated 5-4-3 twin killing was part of a very eventful top of the third for the three-time Cy Young award winner in terms of how he dealt with MLB's new implementation of the pitch clock.
In the same half inning, Scherzer tested out a strategy in waiting out the pitch clock until it hit single digits, and ultimately forcing a Washington batter to burn his only timeout. Earlier on in the frame though, the eight-time All-Star was called for a balk after attempting a quick pitch.
Max Scherzer, Pitch Clock Gamesmanship.
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 3, 2023
Long hold. Adams takes his only time out.
Then Max stays set so he can pitch as soon as Adams is ready. pic.twitter.com/3uj9ucDFEl
Max Scherzer was confused about being called for a balk on this play:
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 3, 2023
"He calls time, I come set, I get the green light. I thought that was a clean pitch. He said no. We gotta figure out where the limit is." pic.twitter.com/nx1P2cI9Jt
Last week, Scherzer talked at length about the ticker, saying "I'm going to be just fine" and that he wants to "work quick." Based on Friday's outing and his responses to reporters afterwards, it looks like that's still the case.
Scherzer isn't the only pitcher in the Big Apple who's made headlines in recent days for how they've dealt with the pitch clock. On Thursday, New York Yankees lefty Wandy Peralta made very, very quick work of Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Tucupita Marcano, striking him out on three pitches in 20 seconds.
From the pitch clock to the ban of the defensive shift and the larger bases and the limited pickoff moves, America's Pastime is going to look very different in 2023.
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