The Miami Marlins have suspended their right-handed starting pitcher, Jose Urena, for six games and fined him an undisclosed amount for intentionally hitting Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. with a pitch. The incident has stirred controversy in the baseball community, with many calling for a stricter punishment.Urena targeted Acuna, who had hit home runs in five consecutive games, including against Miami. The suspension will take effect on August 17 against the Washington Nationals unless there is an appeal.—-
Eric Young, the first base coach, has also been suspended for a game and fined for his involvement in the altercation, according to an MLB report released on Thursday. Urena holds a 3-12 record with a 4.74 ERA in twenty-four starts this season. Both Urena and Brian Snitker, the Atlanta Braves manager, were ejected from the game. Snitker confronted Urena on the field as he was escorted off the mound.
The pitch that hit Acuna was recorded at 97.5 mph, a career-high speed for Urena when starting a game, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Acuna sustained a left elbow injury from the hit and laid on the ground for a few minutes amidst heated exchanges between players from both teams. Eventually, Acuna rose to his feet and walked to first base, showing resilience.
Order was restored until Acuna picked up a protective wrap, threw it towards the mound, and triggered players from both teams to spill out of the bullpens and dugouts. Fortunately, no physical altercations occurred. Acuna returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Colorado Rockies, putting the incident behind him.
