MLB Suspends Padres' Marinaccio Three Games for Intentionally Hitting Orioles' Henderson

Major League Baseball has suspended San Diego Padres reliever Ron Marinaccio for three games and fined him an undisclosed amount for intentionally hitting Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson with a pitch during Saturday’s game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Marinaccio has filed an appeal, which puts the suspension on hold until the process concludes. San Diego manager Craig Stammen also received a one-game suspension and fine for his actions following the incident.

Henderson was hit on the front hip by a 94 mph fastball from Marinaccio in the bottom of the ninth inning of a 9-3 game. The pitch came with two outs and the Orioles trailing by six. Crew chief Chris Conroy ejected Marinaccio immediately, and Stammen was tossed for arguing the call. Adrian Morejon entered the game and closed out the final out for the Padres.

The incident followed an earlier escalation in the game when Baltimore starter Trey Gibson hit Xander Bogaerts in the helmet with a 94 mph fastball in the fifth inning. Bogaerts left the game but returned to the lineup the next day. Henderson confirmed postgame that he believed the pitch from Marinaccio was intentional, citing that Bradgley Rodriguez had also thrown two pitches close to him in his previous at-bat.

Marinaccio and Stammen both denied the intent, claiming their plan was to attack Henderson on the inner half of the plate. MLB did not accept that explanation, and the league’s enforcement process moved forward. These types of cases often see suspensions reduced during the appellate process if the player accepts the punishment. However, Marinaccio has not yet accepted the penalty and will instead wait for the outcome of his appeal.

Stammen’s one-game suspension will cost him the first game of the Padres’ current series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Bench coach Randy Knorr will take over managerial duties for the game, per a report from The San Diego Union-Tribune. The Padres have a potential solution to cover for Marinaccio’s absence, as closer Mason Miller is already away from the team for a personal matter, giving the club flexibility in its bullpen.

Marinaccio, 24, is 0-1 with a 1.80 ERA in 12 appearances this season. Henderson, 22, is hitting .297 with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs for the Orioles, who are in a tight race for the AL Wild Card. The Padres are currently in a playoff chase of their own, making the timing of the suspension and appeal critical.

Marinaccio’s appeal is expected to be heard in the coming days. If upheld, the suspension could force the Padres to use a replacement pitcher or adjust their bullpen strategy. The next step for the Padres is Tuesday’s game against the Cardinals, where Knorr will manage his first contest of the season.