NEW YORK โ Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Tommy Pham took a brief hiatus, missing the game against the New York Mets on Monday night. This rest came as a result of a one-game suspension due to an incident involving fans from the Los Angeles Angels in the previous month.
Major League Baseball reprimanded Pham, slapping him with a fine of undisclosed value and ordering him to serve a suspension after โinappropriate actions towardโ Angels spectators during a game held just over a month ago. An appeal made by Pham did not reverse the suspension following a thorough hearing process, shared a spokesperson from the Piratesโ team.
During the incident, the experienced 37-year-old reportedly reacted to a spectator provocatively while pursuing a ball in play near the left-field area during a shutout victory over the Angels. This news comes amidst Phamโs struggling inaugural season with the Pirates, showcasing a batting average of .176, without homers, six RBIs, and an OPS sitting at .475 over 34 games.
Although having spent a previous stint with the Mets in 2023, where he shone with a career average of .331, belting 10 homers in 55 games at the Citi Field, Pham continues to navigate the ups and downs in his present team engagements.
Meanwhile, adding to the Piratesโ player updates, their center fielder Oneil Cruz missed yet another game owing to lower back discomfort endured during an extended game against Atlanta. Manager Don Kelly remained hopeful, expressing insights into Cruzโs potential readiness. โHeโs on the mend,โ noted Kelly not long before Mondayโs play.
In Cruzโs stead, Alexander Canario, a recent acquisition from the Mets, stepped in to play center, offering a fresh lineup option. Moreover, the Pirates saw the return of shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa, slotted back into play after recovering from a right hamstring strain that had kept him off the field since early May.
Enthusiasm rippled through the Pirateโs camp as Kiner-Falefa marked his return triumphantly during a slim 4-3 defeat to the Mets, including hitting his first homer since the previous year. His impact extended beyond batting as he demonstrated solid defensive prowess, assisting in double plays that curbed potential challenges for ace pitcher Paul Skenes.
Unfortunately, a lower point came for Kiner-Falefa in the ninth inning when a fielding error, complicated by an unforeseen bounce off the base, allowed the Metsโ game-winning run. Reflecting on the mishap, he expressed a pang of regret, despite acknowledging the bad bounce.
This setback did not alter the Piratesโ confidence in Kiner-Falefaโs versatility, which was vocalized by Manager Kelly, highlighting the critical leadership and dynamism he brings to the field. Priorly, Kiner-Falefa maintained a commendable .280 average and seven RBIs, reflective of his competence.
In a reshuffle within the team, infielder Liover Peguero was demoted to Triple-A Indianapolis. His brief call-up was part of a larger lineup strategy. Peguero managed to hit 2-for-9 over four matches before this recent move downward.