Pirates Manager Kelly Suspended After Devenski Throws at Reds Rookie Stewart

Key facts

• Don Kelly suspended one game by MLB for incident involving pitcher Chris Devenski.
• Chris Devenski suspended three games, reduced to two after settlement.
• Devenski threw a fastball inside to Reds rookie Sal Stewart in the 7th inning on Saturday.
• Pirates led 15-6 at the time of the pitch; final score 17-7.
• Umpires ejected Devenski after crew chief Alan Porter cited Stewart's positioning in the batter's box.
• Both suspensions begin Tuesday when Pirates face Arizona Diamondbacks.
• Stewart went 0-for-13 against Pirates during the series.
• Next Pirates-Reds matchup scheduled for June 26.

Manager and Pitcher Face Discipline

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly will serve a one-game suspension Tuesday night after Major League Baseball penalized him for an incident in which pitcher Chris Devenski intentionally threw at Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart. The league also suspended Devenski for three games, later reduced to two after he agreed to a settlement. Both suspensions begin Tuesday, when the Pirates open a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Pitch That Sparked Ejection

The incident occurred in the seventh inning of Saturday’s game, with the Pirates leading 15-6. Devenski fired a fastball well inside to Stewart, nearly striking the rookie. Stewart reacted angrily, prompting the umpires to confer and ultimately eject Devenski. Crew chief Alan Porter later cited Stewart’s positioning in the batter’s box before the at-bat as a factor in the decision.

Devenski Denies Intent

Devenski denied intentionally throwing at Stewart, telling MLB.com he was simply trying to pitch inside and that Stewart “took it the wrong way.” Despite the denial, MLB determined the pitch was deliberate, leading to the suspension and fine for the pitcher and the automatic ban for Kelly, who is responsible for his players’ actions.

Stewart’s Struggles Against Pirates

Stewart, a rookie enjoying a strong season, went 0-for-13 against the Pirates during the series. The near-miss added tension to an already lopsided game, which Pittsburgh won 17-7. Both teams are in the same division, meaning Devenski and Stewart could face each other again as early as June 26, when the Pirates and Reds are next scheduled to play.

Implications for the Pirates’ Season

Kelly’s absence Tuesday leaves the Pirates without their manager for a critical series against Arizona. The team will rely on bench coaches to fill the gap. Devenski’s two-game suspension further depletes the bullpen, though the Pirates have depth to absorb the loss. The incident underscores MLB’s strict stance on intentional throwing, especially when it involves young players.

Looking Ahead: Rematch on the Horizon

The earliest possible rematch between the Pirates and Reds is June 26, when the division rivals meet again. Stewart will likely face Devenski at some point, reigniting tensions. The league will monitor the situation closely, as any further incidents could result in harsher penalties. For now, both teams focus on their upcoming games, with the Pirates aiming to maintain momentum.

The bottom line

• Don Kelly suspended one game for Devenski’s intentional pitch; both suspensions start Tuesday.
• Devenski’s three-game ban reduced to two after settlement; he denies intent.
• Incident occurred in 7th inning of Pirates’ 17-7 win; Stewart went 0-for-13 in series.
• Crew chief Alan Porter cited Stewart’s batter’s box positioning as reason for ejection.
• Next Pirates-Reds meeting June 26 could see Devenski face Stewart again.
• MLB’s discipline reflects zero-tolerance policy for intentional throwing.