PHOENIX -- Pirates pitcher Chris Devenski received a three-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for intentionally throwing at Sal Stewart of the Reds during the top of the seventh inning of Saturday’s game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday.
Devenski’s suspension was reduced to two games after negotiations with the players’ union, and he is serving the suspension in the first two games of the Arizona series.
Pirates manager Don Kelly received a one-game suspension and was not in uniform for the first game of a three-game series in Arizona on Tuesday. Devenski was ejected after the incident, a move that automatically triggers a managerial suspension.
“Everyone saw what happened with ‘Devo’ and the umpire the other day, and the [way the] umpires deemed it,” Kelly said.
“They thought it was intentional, and when he got thrown out, got suspended, it’s just policy that the manager gets put in timeout, too. Unfortunately, I have to take a break today. We anticipated something coming down.”
Bench coach Kris Negron, who spent parts of two seasons playing for the Diamondbacks, managed the Pirates on Tuesday. Negron was hired as the bench coach in the offseason after spending four years as a coach with the Seattle Mariners.
“Just hoping he got some sleep last night,” Kelly kidded. “He’s ready to roll. He’s involved in every meeting. He’s involved in every decision. So he’s well-prepared -- the steadiness, the positivity, how he gets after it every single day. You know, he keeps me in check, keeps me accountable. He’s been a great addition.”
Negron spent parts of 2017 and 2019 with the D-backs and was on the 2017 playoff roster, although he did not play.
“I had a funny feeling he was going to find himself in a big league coach or big league manager situation one day,” said Arizona manager Torey Lovullo, who had Negron both seasons.
"Sitting around a lot of conversations that were being had amongst coaches. Always had really good input. He was very heady and very smart. I remember he started out in Minor League camp in ’17 and ended up being on our playoff roster. He was a perfect example of perseverance.”
Kelly planned to watch the game either in his clubhouse office or in an upstairs box with general manager Ben Cherington.