Pillar calls his actions in Braves game stupid, immature

After initiating the first of two bench clearing scuffles on Wednesday, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar discussed his actions against the Atlanta Braves, saying after the game that he intends to apologize.

"Yeah, I mean, obviously that was the initial thing I was upset about but I think it just stems from a little frustration in myself and just the way this series has been going," he said, according to Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com, referring to Jason Motte's quick pitch.

In the top of the seventh inning after striking out, Pillar appeared to say something to the veteran reliever Motte as he walked off the mound.

Braves catcher Kurt Suzuki and Motte immediately reacted, leading to umpire Brian O'Nora separating a few players. Benches cleared shortly afterwards.

"It was immature, it was stupid, it was uncalled for," Pillar added. "It's part of the game, it's just, I'm a competitive guy and heat of the moment. Obviously I'm going to do whatever I've got to do to reach out and apologize and let him know he didn't do anything wrong, it was all me. Obviously something to learn from, something to move on from.

"Don't let it define me but really I think it was just frustration from coming off a really good homestand and really just not even being in any of these ball games, just coming out flat and not being able to build on what we were about to build on (against) Seattle. That just all came out in the moment."

The Blue Jays enter Thursday losers of three straight and will play the Braves in the series finale with Marcus Stroman scheduled to pitch against Julio Teheran.