There were some hit batters earlier in the Yankees-Rays series on the Yankees side, but there is absolutely nothing that excuses what Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman just did.
It’s a miracle that Mike Brosseau was able to get out of the way of this pitch:
Another tough guy throwing at someone for seemingly no reason, damn well knowing he doesn’t have to get in the box. It’s so tired. pic.twitter.com/sTPVtRBKgv
— Trevor Plouffe (@trevorplouffe) September 2, 2020
Note Chapman stomping toward home plate after the pitch, absolutely no sign that the pitch was anything but 100% intentional. That is a pitch that could literally kill a guy, and Chapman did it on purpose.
Benches, of course, cleared:
The Yankees throw at Mike Brosseau's head and sparks fly after…
Watch the postgame FOX Sports Sun & FOX Sports Go!#RaysUp pic.twitter.com/XzZGpxnSK8
— FOX Sports Florida & Sun (@FOXSportsFL) September 2, 2020
To say Rays manager Kevin Cash was pissed after the game is putting it mildly:
Rays manager Kevin Cash was steaming after #Yankees Aroldis Chapman threw a 101-mph behind the head of Mike Brosseau.
"Somebody's got to be accountable. And the last thing I'll say on it is, I got a whole damn stable full of guys that throw 98 miles an hour. Period.”
— David Lennon (@DPLennon) September 2, 2020
"It's poor judgement, poor coaching, poor teaching…" The @RaysBaseball Manager Kevin Cash on the Yankees aiming at the Rays players.
Watch the postgame FOX Sports Sun & FOX Sports Go!#RaysUp pic.twitter.com/2YA8YE689E
— FOX Sports Sun: Rays (@FOXSportsRays) September 2, 2020
We’ll see what punishments are handed down by MLB, but if Joe Kelly gets eight games for what he did, then Chapman’s gotta get 10+. I just can’t believe he did that. Definitely not proud to claim him as a former Cub at this moment.
Chapman, naturally, could not be reached for comment after the game, because he’s only tough on the mound:
Aroldis Chapman is declining to comment tonight.
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) September 2, 2020