The Texas Rangers will be short handed for a few days. MLB announced a three-game suspension for pitcher Ian Gibaut and a one-game suspension for manager Chris Woodward after Gibaut threw behind Manny Machado during Monday’s game.
The incident occurred in the eighth inning of the San Diego Padres’ 14-4 win over the Rangers. With the Padres up by 7 runs, Fernando Tatis Jr. drove a 3-0 pitch into the right field stands for a grand slam. The Rangers responded by throwing a pitch behind Machado, who came to the plate after Tatis.
Following the contest, Woodward said the Rangers didn’t like that Tatis swung while his team was leading by 7 runs. Woodward and some members of the Rangers believed Tatis’ decision went against the unwritten rules of baseball. Tatis’ own manager Jayce Tingler, seemed to agree, saying it was a “learning opportunity” for Tatis.
MLB players have Fernando Tatis Jr.’s back
While Woodward and Tingler weren’t happy about Tatis’ swing, a number of MLB players — both current and former — came out in support of Tatis on Tuesday.
Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench was among those who had no problem with Tatis hitting the grand slam.
So you take a pitch…now you’re 3-1. Then the pitcher comes back with a great setup pitch…3-2. Now you’re ready to groundout into a double play. Everyone should hit 3-0. Grand Slams are a huge stat. @tatis_jr https://t.co/4D3ilsD9Sh
— Johnny Bench (@JohnnyBench_5) August 18, 2020
Chris Woodward will serve his suspension immediately
Woodward, 44, will serve his suspension during Tuesday’s game. Don Wakamatsu will serve as the team’s manager for the contest. Gibaut, 26, has appealed the suspension, and will be allowed to continue playing until his appeal is heard.
Gibaut and Woodward also received undisclosed fines for their actions.
More from Yahoo Sports:
