Why Was Joe Kelly Suspended Longer for Throwing at the Astros than Tyler Austin?

In the world of professional baseball, incidents of #8220;throwing#8221;—a term used to describe a deliberate pitch that makes contact with a batter#8217;s helmet, bat, or other body part—are quite rare. However, when they do occur, they can be significant, leading to suspensions for the offending pitcher. This article delves into a peculiar case involving Joe Kelly and two different throwing incidents, one of which led to a longer suspension than the other.

Understanding the Incident with Tyler Austin

On April 15, 2017, Joe Kelly struck out Tyler Austin, an outfielder for the Texas Rangers, with a wild pitch that accidentally hit his helmet. The nature of this incident did not warrant a suspension; in fact, it was considered a one-off mistake rather than malicious intent. According to an interview with Kelly by Roy McCurdy for ESPN, he explained, "It wasn't intentional, it was just a bad pitch." This response aligns with the general perception that this is a typical pitch and may not necessarily indicate any significant misconduct.

The Throwing Incident Involving the Astros

On August 1, 2017, during a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Houston Astros, Joe Kelly intentionally threw at Alex Bregman, hitting his bat with a wild pitch. This action was not only against the rules of Major League Baseball (MLB) but also against the unwritten code of the sport, as Sporting News reported. The immediate response from the stadium and the pitcher himself was a recognition of the breach of sportsmanship, acknowledging his actions as a sign of retaliation for quotes provided by Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch regarding the 2011-2012 MLB steroid scandal.

The Outcome and Suspension Lengths

The incident at the Astros resulted in a harsher punishment for Joe Kelly. On August 3, 2017, the MLB announced that Kelly would receive a joint suspension of five games and a $28,000 fine. In contrast, the incident with Tyler Austin, although it led to a discoloration on the helmet, did not result in any suspension. This distinction raises questions about MLB#8217;s consistency in enforcing rules and dealing with similar incidents.

Debating MLB’s Approach to Suspension and Retaliation

MLB has a complex set of rules and guidelines for dealing with instances of intentional throwing. One key question that emerges from the differing outcomes is whether the methods for determining if intentional throwing is meant as retaliation are applied uniformly. Critics argue that the handling of this incident appears inconsistent, with the aster practice receiving more leniency than the Cubs practice. This inconsistency has sparked debates among sports analysts and fans about the fairness and clarity of the policies regarding retaliation in baseball.

Fans and Sports Analysts’ Perspectives

Fans and sports analysts have taken to social media and online forums to discuss the discrepancies in suspensions. Many complain that the differing outcomes for similar incidents reflect a lack of transparency and clarity in the disciplinary process. Some even question if baseless quotes from a manager can serve as a valid reason for such a severe punishment. Sports analyst Bill Jenks, writing in %THE_ Play%THE_PLAY.end%, noted, "While the rules against intentional throwing are clear, the grey area lies in determining the intent behind the actions and whether they constitute retaliation."

Implications for Future Incidents

The outcomes of these incidents have significant implications for future disciplinary actions in Major League Baseball. If this case sets a precedent for leniency in instances where intentional throwing occurs as a response to perceived slights or scandals, it could lead to a more lenient overall approach in dealing with retaliation. Conversely, if MLB decides to take a more aggressive stance, it could result in harsher penalties for similar future incidents, fostering an atmosphere of stricter enforcement.

Conclusion

Joe Kelly’s suspension for throwing at the Astros stands as a stark contrast to his treatment following a similar incident with Tyler Austin. This comparison highlights the complexities involved in enforcing MLB’s policies on intentional throwing and the potential for inconsistency in disciplinary measures. The case is likely to remain a topic of discussion for baseball fans, analysts, and the baseball community as a whole.