Will a former KBO pitcher throw a retaliatory pitch in MLB? A bench-clearing incident erupts... Ultimately, two individuals cannot escape suspension penalties.

*This content was translated by AI.

Seattle Mariners pitcher Gabe Spier and Seattle manager Dan Wilson received suspension penalties from MLB headquarters for inciting a bench-clearing incident through intentional hit-by-pitch pitches.

Local media outlets, including MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, reported on the 7th (Korean time) that "MLB headquarters has suspended pitcher Spier for three games and manager Wilson for one game." The headquarters also imposed undisclosed fines on both individuals.

This penalty stemmed from a confrontation that occurred during the game between Seattle and the Detroit Tigers held at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, on the previous day (the 6th).

The game showed signs of escalation from the early innings. Seattle's starter Brian Woo hit three Detroit batters with pitches.

Detroit did not remain passive either. In the bottom of the 7th inning, with Detroit trailing 0-3, Emmanuel de Heus, Detroit's fifth pitcher who previously played in the KBO League, struck Seattle's leadoff batter and star catcher Kyle Lewis on the side. Given that his own teammates had been hit three times earlier, this could be interpreted as a retaliatory pitch. However, since the ball hit him on the fifth pitch while the count was 1-2 in favor of the pitcher, it could also be viewed differently. De Heus previously played for Kiwoom Heroes in 2024 and KT Wiz in 2025.

Trouble erupted in the top of the 8th inning. Spier, who relieved as Seattle's second pitcher, had successfully recorded two outs. The next batter was Glavie Torres. The first pitch was a ball that went deep inside near the body. Torres initially leaned back to avoid it. Then came the second pitch. A fastball reaching approximately 96 mph (about 154-155 km/h) traveled even deeper inside and ultimately struck his left thigh.

This situation could clearly be seen as a retaliatory pitch. Consequently, Torres engaged in an argument with catcher Lewis right there on the field. This eventually sparked a bench-clearing incident where players from both teams rushed onto the field en masse.

The umpiring crew determined that Spier's pitch was intentional and immediately ordered his ejection. During this process, manager Wilson, who had rushed out of the dugout to vigorously protest the umpires' ejection decision, was also ejected. The penalties were subsequently issued on this day.

However, Spier immediately appealed the three-game suspension imposed by headquarters. As a result, the effectiveness of Spier's penalty is temporarily suspended until the appeal process is fully completed. In contrast, manager Wilson, who cannot file an appeal under the rules, will immediately serve his one-game suspension. During the managerial vacancy, bench coach Manny Acta will serve as the interim manager to lead the team.

According to MLB.com, Torres stated, "I think they were trying to protect Lewis. I don't believe we intentionally hit Lewis. However, that is just how baseball is. Lewis is an opposing player. I am also aware that they were trying to protect him." He further emphasized, "When I came to the plate, I even asked Lewis how he was doing. I only intended to tell him, 'De Heus hit you with two strikes on the count. It wasn't intentional.'"

Detroit manager A.J. Hinch said, "Torres received two consecutive pitches in an unusual location. One of them was a fastball. This likely caused the players to feel strong emotions. Eventually, we all ended up going onto the field. Afterward, the umpires gathered and determined it was an intentional pitch, leading to his ejection. Since this occurred right after Lewis was hit by a fastball, it seems it created an uncomfortable situation for everyone."

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*This content was translated by AI.