Major League Baseball issued disciplinary action against two Pittsburgh Pirates personnel on Tuesday following an intentional beaning incident during Saturday’s contest against the Cincinnati Reds.
Pirates relief pitcher Chris Devenski, 35, was initially given a three-game suspension and undisclosed monetary penalty for deliberately hitting Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart with a pitch. However, following an appeal and settlement agreement, multiple reports indicate Devenski’s ban was shortened to two games. Both his suspension and fine were announced by MLB officials on Tuesday.
Pittsburgh skipper Don Kelly also faced consequences, receiving a one-game suspension along with a fine. Kelly served his penalty during Tuesday night’s matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix.
The incident occurred during the seventh inning of Pittsburgh’s commanding 17-7 home win over Cincinnati, when Devenski intentionally struck Stewart with a pitch.
The veteran reliever has struggled this season, posting a 7.71 earned run average across three appearances without recording a decision. Throughout his major league career spanning seven different clubs, Devenski holds a 27-22 record with a 3.93 ERA over 319 games, including eight starts. His career highlight came in 2017 when he earned All-Star recognition while playing for the Houston Astros.
Both suspensions took effect immediately, with Devenski expected to begin serving his reduced penalty on Tuesday.
