During his first at-bat facing Giants center fielder Angel Pagan, Pagan requested Cuzzi call "Time" as Cueto prepared to pitch. Cuzzi did not grant Pagan's request, remaining in his position behind home plate in anticipation of a Cueto freebie. However, Cueto had seen Pagan's request and noticed Pagan had left the batter's box in anticipation of a "Time" call and incorrectly assuming Pagan's actions constituted "Time," Cueto stopped his pitching motion mid-delivery, placing himself at risk of injury.
For his part, Cuzzi was correct not to grant "Time," as his actions were supported by OBR 6.02(b) [NOTE: As of 2014, the rule has been renumbered as 5.04(b)(2)]:
Furthermore, the rules' associated comment states, "Umpires will not call 'Time' at the request of the batter or any member of his team once the pitcher has started his windup or has come to a set position even though the batter claims 'dust in his eyes,' 'steamed glasses,' 'didn’t get the sign' or for any other cause."The batter shall not leave his position in the batter’s box after the pitcher comes to Set Position, or starts his windup.PENALTY: If the pitcher pitches, the umpire shall call “Ball” or “Strike,” as the case may be.
Though Cueto was forced to leave the contest due to back spasms nary one batter later, the umpire's no-call was certainly correct while this sequence demonstrates that violations of Rule 6.02(b) can and do result in injury and umpires accordingly should not hesitate to deny a batter's improper request for "Time."
Video: Cueto exits with an injury exacerbated by throwing several pitches after violently ceasing his motion
