Multiple pitches striking Cardinals' Willson Contreras prompt calls for retribution
In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), the focus on player safety has never been more pronounced. This is particularly true for the St. Louis Cardinals, who find themselves embroiled in a controversy surrounding intentional pitches and the unwritten rules that often govern them.
First baseman Willson Contreras, a fan favourite for his fiery, outspoken attitude and unwavering loyalty, has been hit by 14 pitches this season, tying him for the major league lead. The latest incident occurred on July 1, when Paul Skenes, pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, hit Contreras on the left hand with a 99 mph fastball.
Contreras, understandably upset, has implied that he is displeased with the Cardinals' pitchers' lack of retaliation after such incidents. He has also expressed concern about missing extended time if he continues to get beaned. The Cardinals, it seems, are not protecting their players from being hit by pitches, a concern that Contreras has likely alerted the team's pitchers of.
The current MLB rules regarding retaliation after a player is hit by a pitch do not formally endorse any sort of retaliation. Instead, MLB strictly regulates on-field conduct through its official rules and disciplinary system to prevent intentional hitting and subsequent retaliation. The unwritten rules that sometimes encourage pitchers or teams to retaliate, often seen as delivering "justice" or sending a message, are informal and controversial traditions rather than official policy.
Recent incidents involving high-profile players have reignited debate over the balance between tradition and safety. While the "eye for an eye" approach in baseball is fading, the Cardinals' pitching issues may make it risky for the team to retaliate. The Cardinals' rotation and bullpen, particularly Erick Fedde and Miles Mikolas, have been struggling recently, and a misplaced pitch could exacerbate their woes.
The Cardinals have the second-fewest opposing batters hit by pitches, with 24. However, this statistic does little to alleviate Contreras' frustration. In an interview with Derrick Goold of STLToday (subscription required), Contreras expressed his discontent with the team's failure to protect him from being hit by pitches.
Umpires are quicker to intervene if they suspect pitchers are retaliating, but the Cardinals may need to pitch more aggressively inside to send messages to opposing teams and keep them away from Contreras. This approach, however, carries its own risks, as it could lead to more intentional pitches and potential retaliation.
MLB officials emphasize that the game should maintain fierce competition without allowing personal grudges or dangerous retaliation to escalate. As such, while retaliation may still occur informally, current MLB rules and regulations officially prohibit intentional retaliation after a player is hit by a pitch, focusing on discipline and safety rather than allowing "justice" through retaliation on the field.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Cardinals navigate this delicate balance between tradition and player safety. For now, Contreras will continue to miss games due to the effects of being hit by pitches, a situation that neither he nor the Cardinals can afford to continue indefinitely.
[1] Reference: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34727728/mlb-pitchers-intentional-hitting-player-controversies-highlight-balance-tradition-safety
- Despite the MLB's currently strict regulations against retaliation after a player is hit by a pitch, first baseman Willson Contreras of the St. Louis Cardinals has expressed his concern about his team's lack of protection following several instances of being beaned this season.
- As the Cardinals grapple with pitching issues and the ongoing controversy surrounding intentional pitches, there is a growing need for the team to strike a balance between traditional unwritten rules and ensuring player safety, especially for Contreras who is tied for the major league lead in being hit by pitches.
