Seattle Mariners pitcher Gabe Speier has been suspended by Major League Baseball (MLB) for inciting a bench-clearing incident with a perceived intentional hit-by-pitch.
MLB.com reported on Friday that Speier received a three-game suspension from the league office following the altercation between the Mariners and the Detroit Tigers.
Seattle’s manager Scott Servais was also handed a one-game suspension. The MLB office additionally imposed undisclosed fines on both Speier and Servais.
The incident occurred on Thursday at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, when Speier entered the game in relief during the eighth inning. With two outs, he threw a 95-mph (about 153 km/h) fastball that struck Gleyber Torres in the thigh.
Tensions had been simmering as the Tigers’ batters had been hit three times earlier in the game by Mariners starter Bryce Miller. When Speier plunked Torres, Detroit players stormed the field, leading to a heated confrontation between both teams.
The umpires deemed Speier’s pitch intentional and promptly ejected him from the game.
Speier has elected to appeal the suspension, which will be put on hold pending the outcome of the appeal process. Servais, however, cannot appeal his suspension under MLB rules, marking his first disciplinary action as manager. Bench coach Manny Acta will assume managerial duties during Servais’ absence.