Miami Marlins right-handed pitcher Pablo Lopez, manager Don Mattingly and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. were ejected in the bottom of the first inning of Miami’s game against the Atlanta Braves on Friday when Lopez’s first pitch of the game — a 91.6 mph sinker — hit Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. in the ribs
Crew chief and second base umpire Dan Iassogna made the call to eject Lopez, which came without a warning.
Acuna stood in the batter’s box for a few seconds after being hit, with Braves manager Brian Snitker coming out to argue that the hit-by-pitch was intentional. The umpires huddled together and ultimately decided to eject Lopez.
At that point, a slew of Marlins players and coaches came to Lopez’s defense. Shortstop Miguel Rojas and first baseman Jesus Aguilar were among the players who tried to plead their case. Mattingly and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre Jr. emerged from the dugout to defend Lopez.
Mattingly’s ejection followed, but the manager stayed on the field for a few more minutes and gave the umpiring crew an earful before he, his pitcher and his pitching coach left the field.
Acuna getting hit by Marlins pitchers is a sore spot for the Braves, dating back bating to that Aug. 15, 2018, game when Jose Urena plunked the budding superstar. Both benches cleared that day. Snitker had to be restrained as he tried to get to Urena.
Ross Detwiler took over on the mound after Lopez’s ejection.
This story will be updated.