Story perspectives

MLB cuts Pirates pitcher’s suspension, ejection sidelines manager.

5/6/2026

Summary

Devenski Suspension Reduced

Major League Baseball reduced Pirates pitcher Chris Devenski’s suspension to two games after he threw at Reds rookie Sal Stewart in the May 2, 2026 game.
Umpire Willie Traynor ejected Devenski and manager Don Kelly, who received a one-game suspension, causing both to miss Tuesday’s series opener versus the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The ejection followed a 92-mph sinker inside to Stewart as Pittsburgh led 17-7, with Stewart entering the series 0-for-13.

Summary

Hill Announces Suspension

MLB senior vice president for on-field operations Michael Hill announced a suspension and fine.
The ban begins Tuesday night as Pittsburgh starts a road series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
An appeal would suspend the penalty until MLB completes its review.
The fine amount was not disclosed.
Pittsburgh and Cincinnati will not meet again until a three-game series in Pittsburgh beginning June 26.

Summary

Porter Ejects

Bench coach Kristopher Negron will manage the Pirates on Tuesday while Don Kelly serves his suspension.
Umpire Alan Porter ejected Chris Devenski after determining the pitch was intentionally thrown at Sal Stewart, saying Devenski stepped up and fired it.
Stewart left the batter’s box before the inside pitch and said it was aimed at his ribs.

History

Historical Context

After MLB adopted a personal-conduct policy in August 2015, Commissioner Rob Manfred used it to hand Aroldis Chapman a 30-game suspension in May 2016, the first punishment under the new rules. The league’s later three-game ban of Chapman in September 2020 for a beanball at Mike Brosseau shows how MLB has tightened penalties for dangerous pitches, reinforcing consistent discipline across teams.

1 of 4

Devenski Suspension Reduced

Major League Baseball reduced Pirates pitcher Chris Devenski’s suspension to two games after he threw at Reds rookie Sal Stewart in the May 2, 2026 game.
Umpire Willie Traynor ejected Devenski and manager Don Kelly, who received a one-game suspension, causing both to miss Tuesday’s series opener versus the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The ejection followed a 92-mph sinker inside to Stewart as Pittsburgh led 17-7, with Stewart entering the series 0-for-13.

1 / 4