Full Breakdown
Pirates Reliever Chris Devenski Suspended After Intentional Pitch at Reds Rookie
5/6/2026, 6:33:18 PM
Ejection and Immediate Discipline
On May 2, 2026, the Pittsburgh Pirates faced the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. Leading by nine runs, Chris Devenski stepped off the rubber as Sal Stewart called a timeout. Devenski then delivered a 92-mph sinker inside to Stewart’s ribs, prompting Stewart to jump clear. Alan Porter ejected Devenski, and manager Don Kelly was tossed for protesting.
Key Figures
Chris Devenski, a 35-year-old right-hander promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis, was the pitcher. Manager Don Kelly received a one-game suspension, with bench coach Kristopher Negron acting as manager. Rookie Sal Stewart was the target. MLB senior VP Michael Hill announced the penalties, and Alan Porter enforced the ejection.
Timeline
May 2, 2026 – Devenski’s pitch to Stewart leads to ejection.
May 5 – MLB announces three-game suspension for Devenski, one-game for Kelly; fines undisclosed.
May 8 – Appeal cuts Devenski’s ban to two games, allowing Thursday’s return.
June 26 – Pirates host Reds in Pittsburgh.
Data & Statistics
The game finished 17-7, a nine-run lead when the incident occurred. Devenski’s pitch clocked 92 mph. Before his call-up he posted a 15-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 10 2/3 Triple-A innings. In 11 MLB seasons he has a 3.93 ERA over 419 innings and 319 games.
Official Statements & Responses
MLB VP Michael Hill confirmed the suspensions and fines, citing crew chief’s report that Devenski stepped up, fired the pitch and intentionally targeted the batter. Devenski said he was pitching hard at the start of the at-bat and that the pitch was meant to be inside, not to hit Stewart. Kelly accepted the ruling and handed duties to bench coach Negron.
Criticism & Opposition
Reds rookie Sal Stewart labeled Devenski “soft as f--- for that,” reflecting player frustration. Analysts noted that throwing an inside pitch after a timeout in a blowout breaches baseball’s unwritten sportsmanship code and endangers safety.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Initial reports listed a three-game suspension for Devenski; later updates note a reduction to two games after an appeal. The final score is reported as 17-7 by most outlets, but one source recorded 15-6. No fines were disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
> “After that, he stepped up and he fired the pitch and, we believe, threw it at him intentionally,” — Alan Porter, crew chief
> “Going hard in to start an at-bat,” — Chris Devenski, Pirates reliever
> “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, Pirates reliever
> “You’re soft as f--- for that,” — Sal Stewart, Reds rookie
What’s Next
Devenski will return for the Thursday finale of the Arizona series, while Kelly resumes managing after missing Tuesday’s game. The Pirates travel back to Pittsburgh for a three-game set against the Reds beginning June 26.
