After Rays reliever Fernando Rodney threw a high and tight pitch to Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera Saturday, Jim Leyland hinted there could be retaliation in the rubber match Sunday. And to no one’s surprise that retaliation came.
During the first inning Tigers starter Rick Porcello hit Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist in the should resulting in both benches being warned. Obviously the umpiring crew was in tune with what was going on especially after how vocal Cabrera was immediately after almost being hit in the head by Rodney Saturday night.
Rays manager Joe Maddon, who was initially surprised Cabrera was upset Saturday voiced his opinion on the Tigers third baseman once again Sunday:
#Rays Maddon on #Tigers Cabrera: "He's wonderful. I just wish he wouldn't cry so much."
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 30, 2013
Maddon also believed the Zobrist plunking was intentional and uncalled for.
#Rays Maddon said there was no question #Tigers Porcello hit Zobrist on purpose and it was "absolutely uncalled for."
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 30, 2013
Now there’s no telling if Rodney was intentionally trying to hit Cabrera Saturday or if Porcello was for sure going after Zobrist in retaliation. Sending messages and hitting batters is certainly part of the game however buzzing the tower of an opposing player not only is disrespectful but and end that players career. Bottom line it shouldn’t be part of the game and if Porcello was sending a message and sticking up for his teammate (which I think he was) then so be it.
The Rays eventually went on to win the game 3-1.
