Full Breakdown
MLB Suspends Pirates Pitcher and Manager After Intentional Pitch at Reds Rookie
5/6/2026, 5:23:46 AM
Incident Overview
On May 2, 2026, in a 17-7 Pirates win over the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park, Chris Devenski threw a 92-mph sinker inside at Sal Stewart after a timeout, sending Stewart’s helmet flying. Crew chief Alan Porter deemed the pitch intentional and ejected Devenski.
Key Participants
Chris Devenski – reliever, 2.1 innings for Pittsburgh in 2026; Don Kelly – Pirates manager; Sal Stewart – Reds rookie infielder, 0-13 in the series; Alan Porter – crew chief; Michael Hill – MLB senior VP for on-field operations.
Timeline
May 2: Incident. May 5: MLB announces a three-game suspension for Devenski and a one-game suspension for Kelly. Later May 5: After MLBPA talks, Devenski’s ban is reduced to two games; fines undisclosed.
Data & Statistics
The Pirates led 15-6 before the seventh and won 17-7. Devenski pitched in three games, posting a 2.14 WHIP and two earned runs in 2 1/3 innings (career 3.93 ERA). Pittsburgh’s bullpen logged 143 2/3 innings through 35 games, the sixth-most in MLB. Stewart was 0-13 against Pittsburgh in the series.
Impact
Devenski’s two-game absence strains a bullpen already among the league’s most used (143 2/3 innings). Kelly’s one-game suspension puts bench coach Kristopher Negrón in charge for the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks, while starters Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and Bubba Chandler lead the road trip.
Official Statements & Responses
MLB senior vice president for on-field operations Michael Hill announced the suspensions and undisclosed fines, emphasizing the league’s duty to enforce safety standards. Crew chief Alan Porter said the pitch was “inside … and we believe threw it at him intentionally.” Both statements were issued May 5.
Criticism & Opposition
A Bucs Dugout editorial highlighted Devenski’s clean record, suggesting the inside pitch may have been a mis-placed attempt rather than deliberate, and questioned whether the suspension’s severity fits a blowout context and his recent Triple-A promotion.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Initial MLB notices listed a three-game ban for Devenski; later communications reduced it to two games after a settlement with the players’ union. Fine amounts for Devenski and Kelly remain undisclosed, and no clarification has been offered on whether an appeal could pause the penalty.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After that, he stepped up and he fired the pitch and, we believe, threw it at him intentionally,” — Alan Porter, crew chief
- “I know the guy likes to dive over [the plate]. That’s about it. Just trying to execute my pitch there, and I think he took it the wrong way. It is what it is, but I’m not going to back down from anything, either.” — Chris Devenski, reliever
- “You’re soft as f--- for that,” — Sal Stewart, Reds rookie
- “I really don't know what happened,” — Sal Stewart, after the game
What's Next
Pirates start the Arizona series Tuesday; Devenski can return Thursday; next Reds series June 26.
