Mets starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco made his 2023 debut on Monday against the Brewers, but things didn't get off to a flying start for the veteran right-hander.
While facing his first batter of the season, before even throwing his first pitch, Carrasco received a pitch clock violation from home plate umpire Alan Porter.
The official issued the automatic ball to the 36-year-old, in what was an unfortunate start to the campaign in his first taste of the new pitch clock rules. Despite the minor hitch, Carrasco rallied and was able to strike out Milwaukee's leadoff hitter, former NL MVP Christian Yelich.
Carlos Carrasco receives a pitch clock violation before he throws his first pitch of the season pic.twitter.com/jfZFuYb38N
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 3, 2023
Carrasco is the Mets' fifth starter this season, so he was the last in the rotation to toe the rubber during the new campaign. Despite having a few games to familiarize himself with the new rules from the bench, he wasn't quite prepared when he took the mound on Monday.
He found himself in the unusual position of starting off his season in a 1-0 count, but ultimately was able to overcome the minor obstacle.
The Mets' starter also experienced some issues with his PitchCom system, forcing an early stoppage of play in the first inning.
Carlos Carrasco had trouble with the pitch com in the first inning, leading to classic banter in the booth.
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) April 3, 2023
“Hello? Mom??” - Keith Hernandez 😂
pic.twitter.com/2IczRhMjyg
Last season, his 13th in MLB, Carrasco registered 29 starts, his most in a single season since 2018. He logged a 3.97 ERA while striking out 152 batters in 152 innings.
