Rays reliever Edwin Uceta has been handed a three-game suspension and an undisclosed fine by Major League Baseball, following an incident where he threw at Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos. This action led to both teams clearing their benches during Tuesday night’s game at Citizens Bank Park.
Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash also received a one-game suspension and a fine, as announced by MLB on Wednesday through Rays beat writer Adam Berry.
In the second game of a three-game series, the Phillies and Rays were tied 4-4 going into the bottom of the eighth inning. With one out and runners on second and third after a Brandon Marsh walk and a Kody Clemens double, Tampa Bay brought in Uceta in relief. Cal Stevenson responded with a double down the right field line, driving in two runs to put the Phillies ahead. Buddy Kennedy added another run with an RBI single after a Garrett Stubbs strikeout, Trea Turner extended the lead with a two-run homer to make it 9-4, and Bryce Harper contributed with a double into left field.
The game slipped away from the Rays late, and Uceta’s frustration boiled over when Castellanos stepped into the batter’s box. On the very first pitch, Castellanos was hit by a 96 mph sinker to his left side. He immediately pointed at Uceta and exchanged words, prompting Bryce Harper to charge the mound and clear the benches and bullpens. The situation didn’t escalate further, though.
Castellanos reflected postgame, saying he expected to be hit and felt it was due to Uceta’s frustration over his poor performance. “I wasn’t even swinging because I had a feeling it could happen,” Castellanos said. “He was just mad his numbers were messed up.” When asked if he had issues with Uceta before, Castellanos said no but noted he had a strong sense he might get hit.
Phillies RF Nick Castellanos shares his thoughts on getting hit by a pitch from Edwin Uceta @KYWNewsradio pic.twitter.com/lKofBBkkyH
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) September 11, 2024
Harper expressed his frustration, criticizing Uceta’s actions and emphasizing that such behavior shouldn’t be tolerated in Major League Baseball. “He hit him on purpose,” Harper said. “We don’t play that way. If you’re mad about a homer or a blown lead, walk the guy and come out of the game.”
Uceta was ejected after the incident, and the Phillies went on to win the game. Despite a strong season so far with a 0.75 ERA, Uceta’s numbers took a hit after the Phillies’ big eighth inning. His suspension will begin with Wednesday night’s game unless he appeals.
The Phillies will aim to sweep the Rays in the series finale, which is crucial for their postseason and NL East title hopes.
However, they will be without Kyle Schwarber, who was initially scheduled to play but was given extra rest. Rob Thomson decided to sit Schwarber to avoid further strain on his elbow ahead of the Mets series starting Friday. Bryson Stott will lead off instead. Schwarber, who set a single-season major league record with 14 leadoff homers, had left Tuesday’s game after hitting a homer due to the elbow issue. Thomson noted that while Schwarber’s condition had improved, it was still affecting his swing.
