MLB Suspends Pirates Devenski 2 Games for Throwing at Stewart

Major League Baseball suspended Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Chris Devenski for two games and fined him an undisclosed amount on Tuesday for intentionally throwing at Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart during Saturday's game at PNC Park. Pirates manager Don Kelly received a one-game suspension and fine, which he served that night in Phoenix against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The incident occurred in the top of the seventh inning with Pittsburgh leading 17-7. Stewart called for time as Devenski went into his set position, stepped out of the batter's box briefly, then dug in again. Devenski delivered a 92 mph sinker at waist height that tailed inside and nearly struck Stewart, who jumped back and yelled at the pitcher. Devenski took several steps toward the plate before the umpires ejected him following a conference. Kelly argued vehemently from the dugout.

League officials determined the pitch was intentional, issuing initial three-game suspensions for Devenski and one game for Kelly before reducing Devenski's penalty through a settlement. Devenski, eligible to appeal but expected to begin serving his ban Tuesday, becomes ineligible to pitch during the term.