Mariners outfielder Denard Span likes to dictate the pace when he’s batting. He’ll pause for time by holding his hand up toward the home-plate umpire. He’ll take time to set his feet. Anything to get the opposing pitcher worked up.
That approach, including calling time out twice, worked Monday against Orioles starter Andrew Cashner, who yielded a solo home run.
Span’s tactic also spoiled former Tampa Bay teammate Blake Snell’s shot at a record. After tying an American League record with seven strikeouts to start the game against Seattle on June 9, Snell couldn’t get a third strike past Span on an at-bat that seemed like it lasted an hour.