Benches Clear as Rays' Uceta Ejected for Hitting Castellanos

NICK CASTELLANOS HAS HOMERED IN HIS FIRST AT BAT

THE JOKES WRITE THEMSELVES

UNBELIEVABLE pic.twitter.com/uxWQVxQpXj

— Philly Sports Sufferer (@mccrystal_alex) September 11, 2024

In a heated game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies, reliever Edwin Uceta was ejected after hitting Phillies slugger Nick Castellanos with a pitch during the 8th inning of a 9-4 loss for the Rays. Uceta’s pitch came after a string of hits, including a two-run homer from Trea Turner and a double from Bryce Harper, which led to a benches-clearing confrontation.

Castellanos, who was hit by a 96 mph fastball, said he anticipated getting drilled, feeling it was a reaction to Uceta’s frustration after giving up multiple runs. Uceta, however, insisted the hit was unintentional and claimed he was simply trying to establish his fastball inside. Despite Uceta’s explanation, the Phillies weren’t convinced, with Castellanos comparing Uceta’s actions to a “2-year-old throwing a fit” after losing dessert.

The benches and bullpens emptied, but no further physical altercations occurred, as Bryce Harper also voiced his discontent, claiming such behavior has “no place in baseball.” Harper, who was visibly frustrated, stopped himself from escalating the situation by walking toward the mound before Rays shortstop José Caballero intervened.

Following the incident, Uceta received a three-game suspension, later reduced to two games, while Rays manager Kevin Cash served a one-game suspension. Both Uceta and Cash expressed a desire to move on from the situation, with Uceta emphasizing his respect for MLB’s decision.

The 26-year-old reliever, who had been having an impressive season with a 0.79 ERA, faced one of his toughest outings, conceding multiple hits and runs before the hit on Castellanos. As the Rays prepare for the postseason, Uceta and the team will be looking to refocus and regain composure after the intense altercation.