Everyone is trying to figure out how to stretch the new rules, and New York Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. is no different. In a spring training game against the Washington Nationals, the umpire deemed that he quick-pitched Jeimer Candelario.
Cortes Jr. was unhappy with the call and ensured he wasn't called for another one. On the next pitch, he took a long pause to let the whole stadium know that he wouldn't quick-pitch again.
It's important that pitchers wait for the batter to be ready in the box before pitching this season. Since Candelario did not make eye contact with Cortes Jr. before the pitch was thrown, it was deemed a quick pitch.
That was the ultimate way to respond, and Cortes Jr. had good fun with it. You can see him smiling after he delivered his pitch on a long leg-kick.
Here's what the fans thought about the moment on the pitch:
"Nestor is now my hero," one fan tweeted.
"I hate that I love it," tweeted another fan.
Some New York Yankees fans loved the pettiness of Nestor Cortes Jr., while others blamed the league for creating this situation. They believe if a batter has two feet in the box, they're ready and should be pitched to.
Other fans are trying to figure out why the second pitch wasn't called a balk. As long as Cortes Jr. comes set, he can do whatever he wants as he lifts his leg. There were also no runners on base, which would be needed for the pitch to be called a balk.
Nestor Cortes Jr. must step up for the New York Yankees this season
Nestor Cortes Jr. was going to be a big part of the Yankees' starting rotation, but now he'll have to step up even more. The New York Yankees are down three starting pitchers at the moment. They're currently without Frankie Montas, Carlos Rodon, and Luis Severino.
Montas had shoulder surgery in February due to a labrum issue. The team is hoping he can make a second-half return.
Rodon will begin the season on the IL with a forearm strain. He took a break from throwing and is starting to build himself back up with bullpen sessions. Severino is dealing with a lat strain and will also start the season on the IL.
With Opening Day starting this week, pitchers like Nestor Cortes and Gerrit Cole must give the team quality starts.