Edwin Uceta issued a suspension and fine for throwing at Nick Castellanos, skipper Kevin Cash also suspended

Last night down at Citizens Bank Park, things got heated between the Phillies and Rays when Tampa Bay’s Edwin Uceta drilled Nick Castellanos with a fastball in the eighth inning.

Uceta, who had just given up three earned runs, seemed to let his frustration boil over—and Nick Castellanos rightfully wasn’t having any of it.

Uceta’s ERA jumped from 0.75 to 1.49 and when Nick Castellanos stepped up to the plate, Edwin Uceta threw a 96.2 mph fastball right at him, plunking Castellanos on his left hip, which led to the benches and bullpens clearing.

Edwin Uceta HBP Nick Castellanos – Phillies and Rays Clear Benches

It was one of the fastest pitches of Uceta’s career — and it was the first batter he has hit this season. After the game, Uceta’s claimed it was a change-up and unintentional, but obviously that was complete bullshit.

Uceta surrendered a home run, two doubles and a single in the eighth inning to turn what was a close game at Citizens Bank Park into an easy win for the Phillies.

More from the Phillies and Rays Last Night:

• Kyle Schwarber hits MLB record-setting 14th leadoff home run of the season, exits game early with bruised left elbow
• WATCH: NBC Sports Philly delivered an incredible angle of the Phillies dugout clearing against the Tampa Bay Rays
• Nick Castellanos, Bryce Harper sound off on Tampa Bay Rays’ Edwin Uceta following bench clearing incident last night at The Bank
• WATCH: Benches clear in Phillies-Rays, Bryce Harper almost knocks out pitcher after Nick Castellanos HBP in 8th inning

Edwin Uceta suspended 3 Games for Casty HBP

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Edwin Uceta is facing a suspension that could kick in as early as Wednesday, just in time for the series finale against the Phillies.

Uceta has the option to appeal the decision, and if he does, the suspension will be put on hold until the process plays out. Basically, if Uceta takes the appeal route, he’ll remain available for the time being. If he decides not to appeal, the suspension will take effect immediately.

Cool. Honestly, I would suspend him for the year and send him to jail but hey, that’s just me.

With the win last night, the Phillies now lead both the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves by eight games in the NL East standings with 17 remaining. In the National League, the Phillies lead the Dodgers by one game for the top seed and also hold the best record in all of Major League Baseball at 87-58 on the season. 

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