PITTSBURGH -- Pirates manager Don Kelly was ejected for the second time in three games. Kelly argued with crew chief Dan Bellino after a review of a hit-by-pitch didn’t go Pittsburgh’s way in Monday afternoon’s series opener against the Cubs at PNC Park.
Shortstop Konnor Griffin faced an up-and-in fastball in the bottom of the second inning from Cubs starter Ben Brown. Griffin took off his protective equipment and headed toward first base, but it wasn’t ruled as a hit-by-pitch by home-plate umpire Mark Ripperger. On replay, the pitch appeared to slightly graze the brim of Griffin’s helmet and change direction.
Kelly challenged, but the call of a ball and no hit-by-pitch stood. Kelly came out to argue and was immediately ejected by Bellino. Kelly was also tossed after arguing multiple check-swing calls in Toronto on Saturday. The last time a Pirates manager was ejected multiple times in as short of a span was in 2017, when Clint Hurdle was tossed in back-to-back games on May 22 and 23.
Bucs bench coach Kristopher Negrón took over for the remainder of the contest against the Cubs.