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 2-1 series-opening win 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.
“Seeing the replay, [I] felt like it definitely grazed his helmet. You got a kid in Konnor Griffin that is not going to lie,” Kelly said postgame, with a chuckle. “There is no way that Konnor Griffin is going to lie about that.”
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.
By Major League Baseball rule, a manager isn’t allowed to argue a replay review, and entering the field warrants an automatic ejection.
Bucs bench coach Kristopher Negrón took over for the remainder of the contest against the Cubs.
“I will always have Konnor's back, and all the guys’ backs,” Kelly said.