NEW YORK, United States (AFP)–Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Urena has been suspended for six games and fined for intentionally hitting Atlanta rookie Ronald Acuna with a pitch, Major League Baseball announced on Thursday.
A statement from MLB’s chief baseball officer Joe Torre said Urena was also fined an undisclosed amount for drilling Acuna on the elbow with his first pitch of Wednesday night’s game.
Acuna had come into the contest having homered in five straight games. That included hitting three straight lead-off homers, one shy of tying the MLB record.
When Urena’s first pitch in the bottom of the first inning hit him he dropped to his knees, both benches clearing.
Braves manager Brian Snitker was tossed from the game after angrily jawing with Urena and the umpires.
Acuna opted to stay in the game, but when he tossed his shin guard on the mound as he took first base and Urena appeared to make a comment the benches cleared again and Urena was ejected.
No real fighting ensued, but Braves first base coach Eric Young was also given a one-game suspension and undisclosed fine for his actions during the incident.
© Agence France-Presse
