Sale could be disciplined for throwing behind Machado
Boston Red Sox left-hander Chris Sale could be disciplined after throwing behind Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado on Tuesday.
"That's something we don't really tolerate, throwing behind somebody ... that's something that's dangerous," MLB chief baseball officer Joe Torre told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
"It looked like it was intentional. Chris Sale is a great pitcher. When he throws the ball behind somebody, unless it's a rainy day, I don't see that being by mistake."
Sale fired a 98-mph pitch behind Machado's left leg in the first inning, which led home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn to immediately warn both teams' benches.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
Torre was part of a conference call Wednesday involving commissioner Rob Manfred, as well as the Red Sox and Orioles' managers and general managers, according to Rosenthal, who reports Manfred warned both teams he'll impose discipline if the teams continue to throw at each other.
The call was an effort to end the ongoing dispute between the two clubs, which began after Machado spiked Dustin Pedroia during a sliding attempt at Camden Yards on April 21. Pedroia left the contest and missed three games with an injured knee.
Pitcher Matt Barnes has already been suspended four games after throwing at Machado in retaliation for the slide.