The Cubs are scuffling today, and Javy Baez in particular has been scuffling for weeks now. I can’t say for sure whether either of those things played into a skirmish between the Cubs and Reds, but it’s backdrop.
In the 7th inning, Reds reliever Amir Garrett struck out Javy Baez, and was pleased with himself. Whether with himself or with Garrett, Baez was not pleased, and words were exchanged:
Amir Garrett, Celebration…and…Baez taking issue with it. pic.twitter.com/8WxvO28GpT
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 19, 2018
I don’t mind a strikeout celebration. I think I understand why Baez kept looking at Garrett, though, because Garrett’s celebration seemed directed at Baez (not how the players were departing as Garrett celebrated still looking at Baez). It’s hard to tell, but it looks like Garrett then had the first words.
Then things got heated:
Things got chippy in Cincinnati after Amir Garrett & Javier Baez exchange words.
(via @FOXSportsOH)pic.twitter.com/2TWHXVQB6J
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 19, 2018
Anthony Rizzo was having none of that. Something about defending his teammates in Cincinnati against big lefty relievers.
As for what happened, eh. I think Garrett was excited to get Baez swinging, but he probably shouldn’t have been shouting his excitement directly at Baez, who then stared him down. Someone said something, and Garrett got loud, and then Baez got loud. The fact that Baez hit a grand slam off of Garrett the last time they saw each other also probably played a part in this.
No tickling in this bench-clearing incident.
Stay tuned for Game Two, I guess.