After the umpteenth incident involving the Pirates throwing dangerously at a batter for ridiculous and unnecessary reasons, Amir Garrett and the Reds had enough, sparking a huge brawl late on Tuesday night.
The Reds' and Pirates' benches have cleared. pic.twitter.com/za8hYc0zuX
— FOX Sports Ohio (@FOXSportsOH) July 31, 2019
We knew there would be big suspensions from this one, but what was not a lock was that MLB would take into consideration the Pirates’ history. Thankfully, with the suspensions handed down today, the league clearly did.
The release:
“Eight individuals have received suspensions for their roles in the bench-clearing incident and other events between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds during Tuesday night’s game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Joe Torre, Chief Baseball Officer for Major League Baseball, made the announcement.
Pirates pitcher Keone Kela has received a 10-game suspension for intentionally throwing a pitch in the area of the head of Derek Dietrich of the Reds in the bottom of the seventh inning and for his role in instigating the bench-clearing incident.
Reds pitcher Amir Garrett has received an eight-game suspension for inciting the bench-clearing incident by running to the area outside the Pirates’ dugout and throwing a punch in the top of the ninth inning.
Pirates infielder José Osuna has received a five-game suspension for his aggressive and inappropriate actions during the ninth inning incident.
Reds pitcher Jared Hughes has received a three-game suspension for intentionally throwing a pitch at Starling Marte of the Pirates in the top of the ninth inning.
Pirates pitcher Kyle Crick has received a three-game suspension for his inappropriate actions during the ninth inning incident.
Cleveland Indians outfielder Yasiel Puig, who was then a member of the Reds, has received a three-game suspension for his aggressive actions during the ninth inning incident.
Reds manager David Bell has received a six-game suspension for returning to the field following his ejection; escalating the incident with his aggressive actions; his Club’s intentional pitch at Marte; and his numerous ejections this season.
Pirates manager Clint Hurdle has received a two-game suspension for his Club’s conduct during the incident and his Club’s multiple intentional pitches thrown at Dietrich this season.”
That last bullet is the best of the bunch. Sure, the punishment is light, but I have *never* seen a manager suspended for his team’s ongoing practice like this. It’s a start.
It is also nice to see Kela get a longer suspension than Garrett, even though Garrett was the one who charged the Pirates. Again, the league knows there is a lot more to it than just one pitch, and one guy charging.
Clean it up, Pirates.