Major League Baseball announced on Thursday pitcher Yordano Ventura has been suspended nine games for his part in a brawl with Baltimore Orioles shortstop/third baseman Manny Machado. Machado was also suspended four games for his role in the fight.
During Tuesday’s matchup between the Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles, Ventura exchanged words with the Orioles star in the third inning after a pop fly. The 25-year-old lost his cool later in the fifth inning and intentionally threw at Machado. A brawl ensued, punches were thrown and both players were ejected.
Ventura defended himself in post-game comments.
“Everybody knows what kind of player (Machado) is,” Ventura told the Baltimore Sun. “My plan was to pitch inside and one got away. And things happened, and benches cleared. … I just have to protect myself and defend myself. I just can’t stand there.”
It was unanimous around the league that Ventura was in the wrong and Machado had every right to start swinging. Ventura’s attitude compared to his poor play doesn’t seem to be worth the constant headaches for the Royals. He’s been known to lose his cool since he’s joined the league. He’s been fined and suspended for throwing at batters and brawling in the past. Machado’s no saint himself, but it’s about time the talented pitcher grow up and control himself on the mound.
A nine-game suspension isn’t a huge penalty, all things considered. Ventura will likely only miss one turn in the rotation along with forfeited salary. At the end of the day, that’s not really a big deal for him or the Royals. If he continues to lose his temper on the mound, it will be. At this point in his career, Ventura’s not going to be remembered for being a great pitcher, but for being a hot-head who doesn’t know when to relax. It’s a shame.
