Mikolas (5 games), Marmol (1) suspended, fined for Happ HBP

July 28th, 2023

Cardinals pitcher  has received a five-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for intentionally throwing at Ian Happ of the Cubs during the top of the first inning of Thursday night’s game at Busch Stadium. Michael Hill, Major League Baseball’s senior vice president for on-field operations, made the announcement.

In addition, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol has received a one-game suspension and a fine as a result of Mikolas’ actions.

“I wish if they thought there was intent behind the first [pitch], then issue a warning after the first one,” Marmol said. “Then, that [warning] kills everything that happened yesterday -- rather than waiting around [for the second pitch that hit Happ] and then going straight to an ejection. Once they say it’s intentional, he gets suspended and I get suspended.”

The suspension of Mikolas had been scheduled to begin tonight, when the two Clubs are to continue their series in St. Louis. However, Mikolas has elected to appeal. Thus, the discipline will be held in abeyance until the process is complete. Marmol will serve his suspension tonight.

“I did [get ejected] and I still don’t know why.” Marmol said. “There’s no reason for that. That, I’m pretty confident about. I think they would do that one differently if they could do it again. There was no reason for my ejection.”