Atlanta Braves pitcher Jose Ramirez has been hit with a three-game suspension and fine for throwing at Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez during Wednesday’s game.
Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Ramirez’s punishment, adding the right-hander’s fine was for an undisclosed amount. Mark Bowman of MLB.com also reported the discipline and noted Ramirez will appeal the decision.
Ramirez threw at Fernandez in the seventh inning of Miami’s 7-5 win on Wednesday, which resulted in both benches clearing.
Fernandez hit Braves outfielder Nick Markakis with a pitch in the sixth inning after Markakis hit a two-run homer earlier in the game to give the Braves a 4-1 lead.
Braves manager Brian Snitker told Joe Frisaro and Pat James of MLB.com after the game he felt that Fernandez was intentionally targeting Markakis.
“To me, Nick hits the ball out and then almost another one and then gets squared up,” Snitker said. “I don’t think that was an accident. When we play, I don’t feel bad blood. It’s just two teams going at it. It was a pretty hard-fought game, really. Their team is trying to get into the playoffs, and for my take on it, we’re not trying to get in the playoffs but we’re trying to win every game we play.”
Per Frisaro and James, Fernandez said the pitch that hit Markakis “slipped out of my hands” even though he explained he was just trying to throw a fastball inside after Markakis was late on them earlier in the game.
Ramirez has quietly had a solid season for the Braves. He’s posted a 3.38 ERA and 30 strikeouts in a career-high 26.2 innings.
The Marlins are chasing a wild-card berth, entering play Friday four games behind the New York Mets for the second spot in the National League.
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