Rays reliever and manager suspended after altercation with Phillies

Major League Baseball announced Wednesday afternoon that Rays righty Edwin Uceta had received a three-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for throwing at Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos in Tuesday night’s game. Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash has received a one-game suspension. Uceta can appeal if he chooses and still be eligible to take the field while the appeal process plays out. Cash is serving his suspension on Wednesday, per the league’s announcement. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times first reported the details surrounding the suspensions.

Uceta entered Tuesday night’s game in the eighth inning with two men on base and one out in what was then a 4-4 tie. He promptly yielded a two-run double to outfielder Cal Stevenson, struck out catcher Garrett Stubbs, allowed an RBI single to infielder Buddy Kennedy, and then served up a two-run homer to Trea Turner. Bryce Harper followed with a double. Uceta then hit Castellanos on the hip with a 96.2 mph sinker on the first pitch of the next plate appearance, prompting both benches to clear (video link). Castellanos and Harper, in particular, were animated with their anger and what they believed to be the intent behind the pitch.

Castellanos said after the game that he had “an overwhelming sense that [he] was about to get drilled” before even stepping into the batter’s box (link via Todd Zolecki of MLB.com). Harper was also vocal in the aftermath, stating that throwing at a player with intent “is not something that you should accept as Major League Baseball” — particularly in an era where today’s pitchers can throw so hard. “We’re in a race right now,” Harper continued. “We’re doing our thing. We’re trying to get into the postseason. A guy wants to drill him. It’s not right.”

Uceta, naturally, maintained while speaking through an interpreter that he did not intend to plunk Castellanos — the first batter he’s hit all season in 36 1/3 innings (138 batters faced) and just the third batter he’s hit in his MLB career (314 plate appearances).

Even with that dismal outing, Uceta’s ERA on the season stands at 1.49. He’s quietly emerged as an important bullpen piece for Tampa Bay since signing a minor league deal in the winter and having his contract selected to the big league roster in May. Part of Uceta’s success this season has been impeccable command. He’s walked just 4.3% of the opponents he’s faced (against a massive 37% strikeout rate).

That alone doesn’t signal intent, of course; it was a pressure-filled situation wherein Uceta had missed spots badly on both the double to Stevenson and the home run to Turner. He’s also struggled with command, entering the season with a career 11.9% walk rate. It’s certainly feasible that he was rattled by the moment in an outing where he’d already lacked command. Still, it’s simultaneously understandable that the Phillies took exception and believed there to be intent.

Regardless, Cash will be absent from Wednesday’s dugout, and Uceta could miss up to three games. Castellanos, thankfully, didn’t suffer any injury on the play. He remained in the game and is back in Wednesday’s lineup. Leadoff slugger Kyle Schwarber, who tweaked his elbow on a dive back into first base Tuesday night and was set for further evaluation Wednesday, was originally in the lineup but was scratched just minutes ago after informing the team of lingering soreness in his elbow (X link via Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer). Harper will serve as the designated hitter, and Kody Clemens will get the nod at first base.