Tampa Bay pitcher Edwin Uceta was handed a three-game suspension and fined for intentionally throwing at Nick Castellanos, leading the Philadelphia Phillies outfielder to liken it to a tantrum from his 2-year-old. The Rays’ manager Kevin Cash was also suspended for one game and fined by Major League Baseball’s senior vice president for on-field operations, Michael Hill. Cash was slated to serve his suspension during the game against Philadelphia on Wednesday. If Uceta appeals to MLB special assistant John McHale Jr., the penalty will be postponed until the appeals process is completed.
Uceta entered the game in relief with the score tied at 4-4 in the eighth inning and runners on second and third with one out. After a series of hits leading to runs, Castellanos was hit near his left hip by the following pitch, prompting a heated reaction from Castellanos and both teams’ benches clearing. Uceta was ejected by umpire crew chief James Hoye and warnings were issued to both dugouts.
Castellanos expressed his frustration after the Phillies’ 9-4 victory, stating that being hit by the pitch felt like dealing with a child throwing a fit over dessert. His career record of being hit by pitches nine times this season and 49 times overall was highlighted. He mentioned that he had a gut feeling the pitch was coming and decided not to swing, anticipating the situation. Uceta, a 26-year-old right-hander, had not hit a batter prior to this incident in the season and stated that he was not intentionally trying to hit Castellanos.
In the aftermath of the incident, Castellanos reflected on Uceta’s frustration with his performance during the game and his attempt to regain control over the situation. Uceta, as reported by the Tampa Bay Times, claimed that he was just trying to locate his pitch and did not have any intention of hitting Castellanos deliberately.
