At 3:56pm, Topkin reports that Uceta will not be appealing the decision made by Cash, which means the right-hander’s three-game suspension will start tonight.
Earlier at 2:55pm, Major League Baseball announced that Edwin Uceta of the Rays has been suspended for three games and fined for throwing at Nick Castellanos of the Phillies in the previous night’s game. Manager Kevin Cash has also received a one-game suspension. Uceta has the option to appeal the decision and can continue playing while the appeal process takes place. Cash will serve his suspension starting today. Details of the suspensions were first reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
In the game last night, Uceta came in during the eighth inning with a tied score of 4-4. After allowing multiple runs and hits, he hit Castellanos with a pitch, sparking tension between both teams. Castellanos and Harper expressed their frustration and belief that the pitch was intentional.
After the game, Castellanos mentioned his anticipation of being hit by a pitch, while Harper criticized the act of throwing at a player deliberately, especially considering the high pitch speeds in today’s game.
Despite Uceta’s claim of no intent, this incident led to his suspension. Uceta has been a key member of the Rays bullpen this season, maintaining a low ERA and impressive command on the mound.
With Cash out of the dugout and Uceta potentially missing multiple games, the focus shifts back to the players and lineup adjustments for the upcoming games.
