What happens if a batter steps out of the batter's box before being granted "Time"?

If a batter steps out of the batter's box before being granted "Time," the pitch is ruled a strike if it is delivered legally. This rule serves to maintain the flow and pace of the game, as stepping out of the batter's box is typically considered an attempt by the batter to disrupt the pitcher's timing. If the pitcher delivers the ball while the batter is out of the box and the pitch is a legal pitch, the rules dictate that it counts as a strike, thus penalizing the batter for not maintaining proper position. This encourages batters to stay focused and prepared to face the pitch rather than delaying the game.

In this context, the other options don't align with the established rules governing this situation. If a batter steps out and a pitch is thrown, the enforcement of a strike ensures that players adhere to the game’s etiquette and pace.