After just eight pitches on Tuesday night, the San Francisco Giants found themselves in quite a pickle against the Colorado Rockies. After Rafael Devers’ admiration for a home run had prompted thin-skinned pitcher Kyle Freeland to throw a temper tantrum, the benches had cleared for both teams. And in the aftermath, the Giants lost the entire left side of their infield, as third baseman Matt Chapman and shortstop Willy Adames were both ejected for coming to Devers’ defense (Freeland was Colorado’s
lone ejection).
The Giants overcame that obstacle. Rafael Devers moved to third base for the first time since 2024, while Casey Schmitt, who was supposed to have the day off to recover from being hit on the funny bone with a fastball, was forced into action at second base. Devers played delightful defense, Schmitt homered, and the Giants won 7-4. Obstacle overcome.
But the obstacle is potentially growing. On Wednesday, the league announced further punishments for the skirmish. Adames, Devers, and Freeland were all hit with fines, but Chapman was given a one-game suspension.
Because of baseball’s rules, Chapman will get to stay in the lineup for Wednesday’s game, where he’ll play third and bat cleanup. He’s appealing the suspension, and once that process is finalized, then he’ll have to serve the suspension, assuming it’s upheld.
Chapman’s suspension, which also came with an undisclosed fine, is officially for pushing Freeland. We’ll soon find out if the league will reverse course after hearing Chapman’s pleas, and looking back over the film.
