Chris Devenski Draws 3-Game MLB Ban After Stewart Pitch
chris devenski was hit with a three-game suspension and an undisclosed fine on Tuesday after Major League Baseball said he intentionally threw at Reds infielder Sal Stewart on Saturday. The Pirates right-hander can keep pitching while he appeals, but the discipline now hangs over his next three outings if the process does not move in his favor.
Devenski And Stewart
The pitch that sparked the case came in a Pirates game they were already controlling, with Pittsburgh leading 15-6. Stewart called time just as Devenski came set, then the right-hander delivered a 92 mph waist-high sinker that tailed inside and nearly hit him, prompting the umpiring crew to gather and eject Devenski from the game.
Devenski answered after the game with, “Going hard in to start an at-bat,” and later added, “I know the guy likes to dive over [the plate]. That's about it. Just trying to execute my pitch there, and I think he took it the wrong way. It is what it is, but I'm not going to back down from anything, either.” He also said, “[I’ve] been around the game a long time … If I was going to do anything like that…” and, “Not in that situation. Just trying to get outs,” when asked whether the pitch was intentional.
Don Kelly’s One-Game Penalty
Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly also received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine. He is expected to serve that suspension tonight, while Devenski’s three-game ban begins tonight unless he files an appeal.
That timing matters for the Pirates because Devenski had only just reached the major league roster last Friday after working under a minor league contract at Triple-A Indianapolis. He was added after allowing just one run with a 15-to-2 K/BB ratio in 10 2/3 innings there, and he has since thrown 2 2/3 innings for Pittsburgh with two runs allowed on five hits, no walks, and three strikeouts.
Pirates Roster Impact
For Pittsburgh, the immediate issue is availability. Devenski remains eligible while the appeal plays out, but if he does not appeal or the suspension stands, the Pirates lose a reliever they just added to the active roster and a manager for one night in the same dispute.
