Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly was suspended for eight games on Wednesday for pitching and taunting Houston Astros players.
Fans and even some players expressed outrage at the league’s decision to suspend Kelly. Kelly’s pitches towards Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa were seen by many as retaliation for the Astros cheating scandal during the 2017 season. No active Astros player was suspended by the scandal.
JOE KELLY OF DODGERS SUSPENDED 8 GAMES FOR BUZZING ASTROS
It’s worth noting that Kelly was in the Boston Red Sox during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. The Red Sox defeated the Astros in the 2018 American League Championship Series en route to their own World Series title. Boston was also penalized for its own cheating scheme during that season.
In any case, emotions were running low on Twitter.
The banks would be emptied during Los Angeles ‘5-2 victory over Houston on Tuesday night thanks to Dodgers’ Joe Kelly pitches toward the Astros hitters.
JOHN MCNAMARA, RED SOX MANAGER IN 1986 WORLD SERIES, DEAD AT 88
Kelly buzzed Bregman and Correa’s heads in the sixth inning. She launched herself behind Bregman for a walk and her throw to Correa was over her head. Kelly, however, denied deliberately throwing heads at the Astros.
“No. When I was with the Red Sox we beat them in ’18,” he said. “It’s one of those things that I throw competitively. Without fans here, it’s easy to hear some things (from the opposite haven) … there’s something that apparently they didn’t take too kindly. “
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who was suspended for one game, was also unsure.
“I really don’t know, to be honest,” he said. “I know he got behind Bregman 3-0 and lost a fastball. I really don’t think there is any intention behind that. I think those boys were a little offended. Even Correa’s, which was a rupture ball that just fell back. ”
Astros manager Dusty Baker said Kelly was singing to Correa, but nothing was said to provoke the pitcher.
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“What really angered everyone … is when he said, ‘Nice swing b — h,'” Baker said. “What are you supposed to do then?”
Baker added: “We didn’t say anything. We don’t start anything. But we don’t accept anything either.
Kelly has chosen to appeal the suspension.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
