Pirates Manager and Pitcher Suspended After Incident Involving Reds Rookie The Pittsburgh Pirates will open Tuesday’s series against the Arizona Diamondbacks without their manager, Don Kelly, who was suspended by Major League Baseball (MLB) for one game following an altercation during a game against the Cincinnati Reds. The suspension was linked to an incident involving Pirates pitcher Chris Devenski, who was also penalized for throwing at Reds rookie Sal Stewart. Devenski’s suspension was initially set at three games but was reduced to two games after he agreed to a settlement. Both suspensions will take effect starting Tuesday. The incident occurred during the seventh inning of the Pirates’ 17-7 victory over the Reds on Saturday. With the Pirates leading 15-6, Devenski delivered a fastball inside to Stewart, nearly striking the rookie. Stewart appeared upset by the pitch, prompting the umpires to intervene. The crew chief, Alan Porter, cited the timing of Stewart’s movement as a key factor in the decision to eject Devenski. Porter explained that Stewart had stepped out of the batter’s box before the pitch, which led to the umpires concluding that Devenski intentionally targeted him. Devenski denied intentionally throwing at Stewart, stating he was attempting to pitch inside and that Stewart “took it the wrong way.” The Reds’ rookie, who has been performing well this season, went 0-for-13 against the Pirates during the series. The incident highlights the tensions that can arise in high-stakes baseball matchups, particularly when players from rival teams clash. The Pirates and Reds, who are in the same division, are scheduled to play again on June 26, providing an opportunity for the teams to face off again.#major_league_baseball #pittsburgh_pirates #sal_stewart #don_kelly #chris_devenski
Pirates enter Wrigley Field looking to set early-season tone The Pittsburgh Pirates, seeking to redefine their relationship with the Chicago Cubs, head to Wrigley Field for a three-game series beginning Friday, April 9, 2026. The matchup marks a critical opportunity for the Pirates to shift their narrative after a historically lopsided 2025 season, during which the Cubs dominated them 10-3 in 13 interleague contests. The Cubs outscored the Pirates 54-26 and hit .256 against Pittsburgh’s pitching, while the Pirates’ offense struggled with a .182 batting average and .523 OPS. The Cubs’ dominance extended to home runs, as they launched 16 compared to the Pirates’ five, and their .740 OPS highlighted their offensive superiority. The Pirates, currently sitting at 7-5 in the 2026 season, aim to break from their recent pattern of struggles against the Cubs. Since September 2024, the Pirates have yet to secure a series victory against Chicago, a trend that has defined their rivalry. Wrigley Field, known for its unique charm and intimidating atmosphere, has been particularly unforgiving to the Pirates. The team’s recent performance against the Cubs has been marked by defensive lapses and offensive ineffectiveness, making Friday’s game a pivotal test of their resolve. Manager Don Kelly, in his first full season at the helm, has watched a team that once led the National League in home runs (117) in 2025 evolve into a more balanced offensive force. Through 12 games in 2026, the Pirates have already hit 12 home runs, tying them for eighth in the league. Offseason additions Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn have been instrumental, each hitting three home runs to spark the team’s resurgence. The Pirates’ offense now ranks tied for ninth in hits per game (8.3), ninth in batting average (.247), sixth in on-base percentage (.#chicago_cubs #pittsburgh_pirates #brandon_lowe #ryan_ohearn #don_kelly
