Tampa Bay pitcher Edwin Uceta has been suspended for three games and fined for intentionally throwing at Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos. The incident occurred during a game where Uceta came in on relief in the eighth inning with the score tied at 4-4. Following a series of hits by the Phillies, Castellanos was hit near his left hip by a pitch from Uceta, prompting a heated exchange between the two players and benches clearing.
Castellanos, who has been hit by pitches nine times this season and 49 times in his career, expressed his frustration after the game, likening the incident to a child throwing a fit. He suggested that Uceta may have been upset about his performance and took it out on him.
Uceta, a 26-year-old right-hander, claimed that he was not trying to hit Castellanos intentionally and was simply trying to locate his pitch. Despite his explanation, Major League Baseball handed down suspensions to both Uceta and Rays manager Kevin Cash, who was also fined for his role in the incident.
Cash was suspended for one game and fined an undisclosed amount, which he was set to serve during the Rays' game against the Phillies. Uceta has the option to appeal the suspension, which would delay the penalty until the appeals process is concluded.
This altercation adds to the ongoing tensions in the MLB surrounding intentional pitches and player safety. The league continues to monitor and address such incidents to ensure the well-being of all players on the field.
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