MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 30: Manager Pat Murphy #21 of the Milwaukee Brewers argues with home ... [+]
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy, starting pitcher Freddy Peralta and reliever Abner Uribe were all suspended Wednesday by Major League Baseball for their roles in a series of events that led to a benches-clearing brawl one night earlier in an 8-2 victory over Tampa Bay at American Family Field.
Murphy, who received his second ejection in as many games Tuesday night, began serving his two-game suspension Wednesday, handing over the reigns to associate manager Rickie Weeks. Weeks will also manage the team Friday when it travels to Wrigley Field for its highly-anticipated reunion with former manager Craig Counsell.
Peralta received a five-game suspension for intentionally throwing at Rays outfielder Jose Sire while Uribe was suspended six games for instigating the brawl when he and Siri exchanged words following Siri’s groundout in the eighth inning.
MLB also suspended Siri for three games for his role in the altercation.
The brawl marked a boiling point for a situation that had been simmering all evening.
It started when Siri belted a solo home run of Peralta in the third inning and escalated in the sixth when Peralta drilled Siri with a 3-0 fastball.
Rays manager Kevin Cash thought it was suspicious and asked home plate umpire Chris Guccione to confer with his crew. He did and it was determined that Peralta’s throw was intentional, leading to his ejection and an argument from Murphy who was also ejected.
It seemed like that would be the end of it but things heated up again in the sixth when Siri grounded out to first against Uribe.
The two exchanged words, then punches leading to both dugouts and bullpens clearing before order was restored and play resumed.
This story will be updated.
