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Marlins pitcher José Ureña suspended six games for throwing at Ronald Acuña Jr.

Chris Cwik
Staff writer
·2 min read

Miami Marlins pitcher José Ureña will miss one start for his actions during Wednesday’s game. Major League Baseball suspended Ureña six games for throwing at Atlanta Braves rookie Ronald Acuña Jr.

José Ureña suspended six games for throwing at Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ureña is appealing the suspension, according to his agent. He will still be allowed to play until the league resolves the issue. Ureña was also fined for “intentionally hitting” Acuña, according to MLB.

Why did José Ureña hit Ronald Acuña Jr. with a pitch?

Ureña wasted no time hitting Acuña during Wednesday’s game. The first pitch of the game — a 97.5 mph fastball from Ureña — drilled Acuña in the elbow. Benches cleared and Ureña was eventually ejected. Acuña was forced to leave the game, but was able to return to the lineup Thursday after X-rays on his elbow came back negative.

Many have assumed Ureña hit Acuña due to the rookie’s recent hot streak. The 20-year-old Acuña has abused Marlins pitching during the series, and came into Wednesday’s game with a lead-off home runs in three straight games. While he didn’t hit a lead-off home run Wednesday, Acuña’s streak is still alive since his only plate appearance of the night ended in a hit-by-pitch.

Who else was suspended by MLB for the Ureña vs. Acuña incident

The league also suspended Braves first base coach Eric Young for one game. Young will serve his suspension Thursday night.

José Ureña’s appeal means he won’t pitch against the Braves

If Ureña had accepted his suspension, his next start would have come against the Braves. The pitcher wisely decided to avoid making that start.

Ronald Acuña was hit by José Ureña to start Wednesday’s game. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Ronald Acuña was hit by José Ureña to start Wednesday’s game. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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