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Pirates' Devenski, Manager Kelly Suspended After Rookie Hit

5/6/2026

Summary

Devenski Suspended

MLB suspended Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Chris Devenski for two games, starting May 5, 2026, for intentionally throwing at Reds rookie Sal Stewart.
Pirates manager Don Kelly was also suspended one game and fined on May 5, 2026.
The May 2 incident happened in the seventh inning of a 17-7 win when Devenski threw a 92-mph sinker inside after a timeout, causing Stewart’s helmet to fly off, a confrontation, and Devenski’s ejection; Pittsburgh will use relievers Dennis Santana and Gregory Soto for Diamondbacks series.

Summary

Hill Issues Suspensions

MLB senior vice president for on-field operations Michael Hill announced suspensions and undisclosed fines on Tuesday.
The Pirates will have bench coach Kristopher Negrón manage the Diamondbacks opener while Kelly sits out.
Chris Devenski, promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis last Wednesday, can appeal his three-game suspension, pausing it pending a ruling.
Crew chief Alan Porter said a pitch-clock timing dispute and Stewart’s box position made the pitch intentional.

History

Historical Context

On June 4, 1974 the Cleveland Indians hosted the Texas Rangers for a Ten-Cent Beer Night that drew more than 25,000 fans, cheap alcohol and a ninth-inning riot that forced umpire Nestor Chylak to forfeit the game to Texas. The chaos prompted Major League Baseball to tighten promotion rules and enforce harsher penalties for fan-induced violence.

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Devenski Suspended

MLB suspended Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Chris Devenski for two games, starting May 5, 2026, for intentionally throwing at Reds rookie Sal Stewart.
Pirates manager Don Kelly was also suspended one game and fined on May 5, 2026.
The May 2 incident happened in the seventh inning of a 17-7 win when Devenski threw a 92-mph sinker inside after a timeout, causing Stewart’s helmet to fly off, a confrontation, and Devenski’s ejection; Pittsburgh will use relievers Dennis Santana and Gregory Soto for Diamondbacks series.

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