For a Major League pitcher, protecting teammates from getting hit by pitches is part of the game. Retaliation for an intentional hit batsmen is expected. However, throwing at another hitter after a teammate gets hit unintentionally — even if hurt — is way out of line. That scenario played out Saturday night late in the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Flashback to Friday, August 1. In the top of the ninth, Pittsburgh’s Ernesto Frieri hit Arizona’s Paul Goldschmidt with a high, inside fastball. The impact fractured Goldschmidt’s hand, ending his season as MLB.com’s Adam Lichtenstein reports.
Frieri’s pitch appears completely unintentional in a 9-4 game with one out in the ninth inning and the Pirates needing a win to stay close in the N.L. Central and the N.L. Wild Card races. MLB.com’s Tom Singer quoted Frieri issuing the following apology upon hearing that Goldschmidt would hit the disabled list:
“I was so sorry when I heard he had to go on the DL. I didn’t think it was that bad.”
Diamondbacks pitcher Randall Delgado apparently did not accept the apology. On Saturday, Delgado threw a ninth-inning, 95-mph fastball right into Pirates star Andrew McCutchen‘s back. The umpire immediately ejected Delgado, who walked briskly off the field with a look of satisfaction on his face and not even a glance toward McCutchen.
Unfortunately, the video clip does not show the entire at bat, but those who saw it can tell. While understandably upset that he lost a teammate for the season, Delgado threw two inside pitches at McCutchen, missing with the first one. After the miss, he then threw a slider outside before throwing the offensive pitch. Surprisingly, this incident did not lead to a bench-clearing brawl, which has happened often for lesser reasons.
Singer explained that McCutchen knew he would get hit, but the way Delgado went about it upsets him. Said McCutchen,
“After a slider away. They’re setting me up that inning…. If you’re going to hit me, hit me. If you’re going to miss me with the first pitch, hit me with the second pitch … try to hit me. But you don’t throw a slider on the next pitch, and wait for the third pitch. Because that’s how people get hurt.
Delgado deserves both a fine and a suspension. Goldschmidt’s injury was accidental, and, while extremely unfortunate, it did not warrant an intent of hurting another player. The game has enough inherent risk of serious injury or worse without someone doing it purposefully to another player. Those who have malicious intent need not play.
Delgado should serve a long suspension and a pay a hefty fine. Unfortunately, even if he gets those penalties, he will get to appeal and, therefore, decide for himself when he actually serves them. That is another matter that need examination. Nevertheless, Major League Baseball needs to make examples out of any and all players involved in intentional physical harm to another. MLB needs to fine and suspend Delgado.
PHOTO CREDIT: Christian Petersen, Getty Images Sport