Josh Donaldson Suspended 1 Game for Fight With Pirates Pitcher Joe Musgrove
By Brian Cass
Atlanta Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson was ejected in the first inning of the series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates after tempers flared up between he and pitcher Joe Musgrove.
After Musgrove clipped, and I say that generously, Donaldson with a pitch, the two exchanged words as the third baseman strutted down the line. Donaldson didn't seem to appreciate whatever Musgrove had retorted, and before long, both team's benches cleared and multiple players had been ejected. Due to his actions, the MLB has handed Donaldson a one-game suspension.
Josh Donaldson suspended one game for actions vs the #Pirates last night, but he will appeal the decision
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 11, 2019
The whole ordeal got out of hand pretty fast, and Donaldson's escalating things is likely reason why the MLB is opting to suspend him, though Bob Nightengale reports that the former MVP has plans to appeal his penalty. And while there's an argument to be made that Musgrove started the whole thing by hitting Donaldson in the first place, it scarcely nipped the slugger and surely didn't seem intentional.
The two have no prior beef either, making this fiasco pretty surprising, but with Musgrove scheduled to pitch again later in the series, things could hit the fan again very soon.
"We've had no beef in the past until now. For him to act that way and I did nothing but stand my ground."
— Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (@PittsburghPG) June 11, 2019
Joe Musgrove isn't apologizing for getting ejected after he hit Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson with a pitch. pic.twitter.com/KGNLxFntaj
Donaldson will be in the lineup again Tuesday night as he appeals the suspension handed down to him from the league. We'll see if Chris Archer and the rest of the Pirates pitchers give him a reminder of Monday night's incident.