MLB Hands New York Mets Reliever Three-Game Suspension, Will Appeal

Yohan Ramirez may be a bit of a New York Mets hero right now, but MLB was not happy with his actions during Saturday’s game against Milwaukee.

Aug 5, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; A detailed view of the cap and mitt of New York Mets first baseman / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

New York Mets reliever Yohan Ramírez has been handed a three-game suspension by Major League Baseball for throwing behind Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Rhys Hoskins on Saturday, per MLB.com.

MLB ruled that Ramírez’s pitch was intentional, thus the suspension. He will appeal. It’s not clear when that appeal will be heard.

Also, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza will serve a one-game suspension on Sunday due to the incident. Per MLB.com, Mendoza’s suspension is “related to Ramírez’s actions.”

Ramírez threw a 94 mile-per-hour fastball behind Hoskins, a right-handed hitter, after he hit a home run off Mets starter Luis Severino earlier in the game.

The pitch did not hit Hoskins, but it was clearly behind him and caused the former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman to duck from being hit by the pitch.

After that, he spent a moment composing himself as Ramírez made his way to home plate. At that point, Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez stepped between the two to make sure nothing happened.

Ramírez was ejected after the pitch, but Mets fans gave him a standing ovation as he walked out of the stadium.

Ramírez throwing behind Hoskins may have been tied to Hoskins’ two-run home run in the third inning off starter Luis Severino, but it likely had roots in an incident in Friday’s Opening Day game between Hoskins and Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil.

Hoskins slid into second base to try and break up a potential double play and Hoskins’ legs extended well past the bag and made contact with McNeil. It didn’t cause an injury, but McNeil took exception to it, shouting at Hoskins as he got up after being called out.

Later, after McNeil watched the replay, he had more to say to Hoskins, who by then was in the dugout.  Hoskins used his hands and wiped his eyes in a “cry-baby” motion.