Dallas Braden calls out ‘egregious’ move by on-deck batter JJ Wetherholt
Credit: NBC Sports California A bizarre situation played out in the top of the ninth inning between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Athletics on Thursday afternoon at Sutter Health Park, and A’s broadcaster Dallas Braden couldn’t believe what he was seeing. JJ Wetherholt — a highly regarded prospect who’s having a terrific rookie season — was on deck for the Cardinals with Victor Scott II at the plate.
While hitters drifting away from the designated on-deck circle is very common, Wetherholt took that to the extreme and wasn’t too far away from the left-handed batter’s box, where Scott stood. Braden, a color commentator for NBC Sports California, called it out. Dallas Braden: “At this point, (JJ) Wetherholt is in the batter’s box.
My goodness… Frankly, I’m surprised that nobody has said anything. Because that’s egregious. ” 1B umpire Bill Miller eventually told Wetherholt to move.
“It’s about time. It’s about time. My goodness.
” pic. twitter. com/B8yAnx6vM5 — Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 14, 2026 “I mean, at this point, Wetherholt is in the batter’s box.