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With Joe Mauer at the plate in the 10th inning of Sunday's Twins-Tigers game, Jose Valverde practiced the pull-out method of pitching:

Valverde: And heeeere's the pitch
Valverde: Wait where did it go
Valverde: Oh my hand is still holding it
Valverde: Well played, Mauer

Valverde held on to the baseball, and there was no one on base, so it wasn't a balk or a ball. As far as the statistical record is concerned, it never happened. But we won't forget.

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NYYanks826
9/24
Love the graceful spin-move Valverde pulls, as well.
Oleoay
9/24
I remember being told that, if an umpire ever called time in the middle of a pitcher's windup, it's best for the pitcher to follow through with the pitch since hard-stopping the motion could lead to injury.
bornyank1
9/24
I remember being told that every time it happens. Announcers say the same thing whenever it happens (and they also said it after the Valverde incident above, where time wasn't called), but no one I've talked to seems to remember an actual example of a pitcher getting hurt by notfollowing through.
Oleoay
9/24
Not even Corey Dawkins?

I'll say, Jose doesn't look like he ever extended his elbow so the worst stress might've been on his shoulder.
flyingdutchman
9/24
Maybe Valverde has added this to his regular repertoire of absurd histrionics.

He is the worst. The worst.

Sorry, I'm a Tigers fan.
gweedoh565
9/24
Wait, pitchers can do this with no consequence if no one is on base?! Why in the hell don't more pitchers do this then? What a great way to psyche out a batter! If the only barrier is the myth about being injured, then, please, let's debunk that and get moving with some #weirdbaseball.
bornyank1
9/24
Agreed. More spin moves!
Oleoay
9/24
There's probably something written about it in the unwritten code of conduct that reads "Thou shalt not do this on purpose."
russel58
9/24
I was thinking the exact same thing