Fans not impressed as Philadelphia Phillies catcher tries to explain opening day meltdown: "Excuses already"
Like several other teams on opening day 2023, the Philadelphia Phillies had their fair share of issues adjusting to the new pitch clock that places restrictions on hitters and pitchers.
The clock, introduced by a special committee commissioned by MLB boss Rob Manfred, was introduced with other sweeping measures this season. The main goal was to shorten games, and stimulate offense.
Under the rules of the clock, pitchers have fifteen seconds to deliver their pitch if the bases are empty, and twenty seconds if there is one or more runner on base. Conversely, batters will need to assume a ready stance by the eight-second mark. Failure by either party will result in a strike or ball call.
During their March 30 opening day matchup against the Texas Rangers, the Phillies showed fans just how new the measures are to players. Although the Phillies rode their pitcher, Aaron Nola, to a 5-0 lead by the fourth inning, it all began to fall apart soontherafter.
After surrendering a hit to Corey Seager after a grueling 10-pitch at-bat. Once Seager reached first, fans could easily see that Nola had become fixated on the pitch clock. By the time Nola was pulled two outs later, he had surrendered a 2-run double and a 3-run homerun.
Robbie Grossman 3-run shot‼️
The Rangers tie things up after being down 5-0 👀
(via @BallySportsSW)
https://t.co/OWi0YKCwZG
Robbie Grossman 3-run shot! The Rangers tie things up after being down 5-0 (via @BallySportsSW)" - Fox Sports: MLB
Following the game, Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto attempted to shield Nola from some of the backlash he attracted after failing to regain his composure in that fateful fourth inning.
JT Realmuto, on 11-7 loss to the Texas Rangers, said:
"It’s so much different. We just have to manage it better."
For fans of the Philadelphia Phillies, who got their first taste of World Series baseball in their 2022 loss to the Houston Astros, the pitch clock is not being treated as a viable excuse.
@MattGelb Nola was freakishly uncomfortable with the pitch clock. Especially with runners on. Blatantly obvious just watching him. He wanted to fiddle. Grab resin bag. Tuck in his chain necklace. His usual habits. But he couldn’t. Could tell it drove him nuts.
@MattGelb So that’s the excuse ?
@MattGelb Ha EXCUSES. Pathetic. Nola sucked . That is all. My goodness the excuses.
Some fans are blaming Realmuto for making the supposed excuses, while others are taking direct aim at Aaron Nola, and positively reflecting that the team failed to reach a long-term deal with the Louisiana-born pitcher.
@MattGelb Excuses already. Nola is approaching being washed up time clock or no time clock. Glad they didn’t extend.
@MattGelb months ago philly was blaming grass, now they are blaming a clock
@MattGelb Honestly, if I’m confident in my stuff that day and I need a break, starting an at-bat with a pitch clock violation to give myself an extra bit doesn’t seem like a bad idea.
The Philadelphia Phillies lost the game to the Rangers by a score of 11-7 at Globe Life Field in Arlington.
Philadelphia Phillies have a long season to prove themselves to fans
Despite the awkward performances, the Philadelphia Phillies still have plenty of time to prove to their fans that they can compete. However, with teams like the New York Mets threatening to dominate the NL East pitching scene, outings like these will need to be few and far between.