New York Yankees infielder Oswaldo Cabrera didn’t shy away from responsibility after a pitch clock violation led to a pivotal strikeout in the ninth inning of the Yankees’ 6-5 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium.
Yankees’ Oswaldo Cabrera takes responsibility for ninth-inning pitch clock violation
“It is my fault,” Cabrera admitted, referring to the crucial misstep.
The incident occurred with the Yankees trailing by one run. Cabrera, facing a full count, failed to re-engage with Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley in time, prompting home plate umpire Ben May to call an automatic strike, ending the at-bat. Cabrera was visibly frustrated, arguing the decision with May while Yankees manager Aaron Boone intervened.
According to MLB rules, batters must be in the box and alert to the pitcher by the eight-second mark, or they are charged with an automatic strike. Cabrera acknowledged his mistake, noting, “I was just in time. It’s tough to say if it was [a violation] or not. So, for that reason, just in time is not right. So, it’s completely my fault.”
Boone, who hadn’t yet reviewed the play, pointed out that Helsley wasn’t on the pitching rubber when the violation was called. However, he conceded that the responsibility lay with Cabrera to follow the rules, stating, “We know the rules. We’ve played with them now for a couple of years. It’s on all of us.”
The incident underscored the growing pains some players still experience with the pitch clock, implemented to speed up the pace of play. Catcher Austin Wells commented on the adjustment, saying, “I haven’t had professional baseball without it, so I’m not too sure.”
Despite the setback, the Yankees had a chance to rally in the ninth. Gleyber Torres flew out, but Juan Soto doubled, and the Cardinals intentionally walked Aaron Judge to bring up Austin Wells. Unfortunately, Wells struck out to end the game.
The Yankees had previously cut into the Cardinals’ lead in the eighth inning, when Giancarlo Stanton, pinch-hitting for center fielder Trent Grisham, delivered a clutch three-run double off the center-field wall. Anthony Volpe also contributed with an RBI single in the same inning.
Earlier in the game, Yankees starter Will Warren struggled, giving up four earned runs over four innings, including a three-run homer to Brendan Donovan in the third. Warren’s ERA ballooned to 9.55 in five starts, raising concerns about his performance as the Yankees look to secure their playoff position.
With the loss, the Yankees dropped to 79-57 but remained atop the American League East, holding a one-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles were scheduled to play the Colorado Rockies later Saturday night.
Boone emphasized the importance of the final stretch of the season, saying, “We’re in a great position. We’re sitting atop of the division. Best record or right around there in the league. It’s definitely been a grind for us. But it’s right there for the taking.”
As the Yankees prepare for the rubber match against the Cardinals on Sunday, with Nestor Cortes set to face Miles Mikolas, Cabrera will likely reflect on his costly error in a game that could have ended differently.
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