SAN FRANCISCO — A post-game dispute between Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman and San Francisco Giants first baseman Wilmer Flores Friday night that required umpire intervention had its roots in a pitch-clock violation.
With the Red Sox leading 7-5 and two out in the ninth, Chapman was assessed a pitch-clock violation because, in the opinion of home plate umpire Doug Eddings, the lefty reliever failed to make eye contact with Flores as the pitch clock wound down.
It was Chapman’s contention that Flores, by not engaging him with, was the one who failed to make eye contact, resulting in a violation and a called ball on Chapman.
After Chapman got Flores to pop out to first baseman Abraham Toro for the game’s final out, he shouted at Flores, cutting back across the diamond, and chastised him for his failure to be ready during the at-bat.
At the time, Flores seemed mystified by Chapman’s anger and sought an explanation.
“I told him that what he was doing at home plate wasn’t right,” said Chapman through a team translator. “He wasn’t making eye contact with me; he was looking up and down. I told him. I think that he understood what I said and then everybody came out.
“The way that he prepares in the box, he (lifts) his eyes to (the pitcher) and then he looks down. Maybe the umpire doesn’t catch that. And I feel like that’s not OK.”
Chapman continued to pursue Flores as the Giants infielder headed for the home dugout as umpires intervened to calm matters. An agitated Chapman was eventually led away by Alex Cora and catcher Connor Wong.
“The rule says you have to be in the box and alert,” said Cora. “You have to make eye contact with the pitcher. Chappy was ready and it seemed like Wilmer had his head down. And at one, his head was down with five seconds (remaining on the pitch clock).
“I talked to Doug (Eddings) and he said, ‘Let me take a look at it; if that’s the case, it’s on me.’ The rule is the rule..It’s one of those that it makes sense because it’s a rule, but it’s a bad look. Nothing big. He just let him know, ‘This is how I feel about it.’ That’s it.”
