On Opening Day, there were plenty of pitch clock violations, but one moment in the Mets game stood out. With runners on the corners, Jeff McNeil fouled off a pitch and Pete Alonso casually trotted toward second, assuming the ball was out of play. As McNeil got ready for the next pitch and the pitcher took the mound, the ump noticed Alonso hadn’t returned to first yet. McNeil pointed this out, but instead of stopping everything to wait, the ump called a violation—on McNeil. The count moved from 0-1 to 0-2, and confusion followed. McNeil didn’t understand how it was his fault while he was just waiting on Alonso. Buck Showalter came out to argue but the ump stuck to it, saying Alonso took too long, and the delay impacted the pitch clock process.
By rule, the clock doesn’t start until everyone, including base runners, is back in position and the pitcher has the ball on the mound. Since Alonso lingered, the ump never started the timer, but still issued the warning. The logic tracked, but it felt inconsistent. Despite the 0-2 hole, McNeil battled back, took a close ball, then grounded one through the infield for an RBI. Last year, with the shift in place, that same hit would’ve been an out. This time, the shortstop wasn’t in position, and two defenders missed. It led to a run and a big smile from Alonso.
The new rules are speeding up the game, which most fans and players like. But odd situations like a base runner violation are still popping up. It’s a reminder that everyone is still adjusting.