Manny Machado ejected after getting called out under new MLB rule
Major league umpires are being strict in their enforcement of this season's new rules. On Tuesday, San Diego Padres star Manny Machado found out the hard way.
With the count full in the bottom of the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Machado wasn't quite ready in the batter's box at the mandatory 8-second mark and tried to call a quick timeout.
However, home plate umpire Ron Kulpa didn't grant Machado's request and called an automatic strike, which ended the inning.
As the Diamondbacks headed to their dugout, Machado stuck around to argue his case. Kulpa wasn't convinced then either, and he promptly ejected Machado from the game.
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
Machado was supposed to be getting a half-day off in the afternoon game, serving as the Padres' designated hitter after playing all nine innings at third base the previous night.
Instead, Machado ended up with much more rest than he planned.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Padres' Manny Machado strikes out on new rule, then gets ejected
