In a heated moment that's sure to spark debate among baseball purists, Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Chris Devenski has been handed a three-game suspension by Major League Baseball for intentionally throwing at Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart. The incident occurred during the top of the seventh inning of what turned out to be a lopsided 17-7 Pirates victory at PNC Park this past Saturday.
Devenski, who was promptly ejected from the game after the intentional pitch, will begin serving his suspension Tuesday night as the Pirates open a road series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The right-hander also faces an undisclosed fine, though he has the option to appeal, which would delay the penalty until the process is complete.
But Devenski isn't the only one facing discipline. Pirates manager Don Kelly received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine of his own, as announced by MLB senior vice president for on-field operations Michael Hill. Kelly is expected to serve his suspension during Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks.
For fans following the story, this serves as a reminder of baseball's unwritten rules and the consequences when tensions boil over on the diamond. While the Pirates were enjoying a commanding lead, the intentional throw at Stewart—a promising rookie—has drawn scrutiny from league officials determined to keep player safety front and center. Whether you're stocking up on Pirates gear or just love the drama of the game, this suspension adds another layer to an already eventful season.
