Blue Jays’ Marcus Stroman suspended six games

One would think that after what accidentally happened to both Giancarlo Stanton and Chase Headley last Thursday, that pitchers would refrain from throwing the ball intentionally near a batter’s head.

Yet, Toronto Blue Jays’ rookie pitcher Marcus Stroman was suspended for six games for doing just that. It has been determined by Major League Baseball that Stroman intentionally threw at Baltimore Orioles’ catcher Caleb Joseph‘s head during Monday’s game.

If and why the pitch at Joseph’s head was intentional is all speculation at this point. There have been rumors that the pitch was in retaliation for Joseph stepping on Jose Reyes‘ finger during a play at the plate.

There were also rumors that Stroman would not be suspended but MLB did hand down that suspension Wednesday. The Toronto Star’s Brendan Kennedy reported the suspension via Twitter.

Whether or not Reyes’ finger was the reason why Stroman threw at Joseph’s head, the suspension is warranted.

However, there is no real way to prove that Stroman’s intentions at the time of the incident, he plans to appeal the six game suspension and will be able to continue to play until the appeal is heard.

With all the incidents and repercussions from concussions all around sports, from quarterbacks in the NFL to Stanton and Headley both being hit in the face by pitches last week, it is hard to believe that Stroman would be dumb enough to throw at someone’s head.

Either way, much like the institution of the seven-day concussion list, it is a good thing for MLB to take a tough stance on retaliation, especially when it comes to a player’s brain. Being hit with the force of a pitch can leave lasting effects.

Accidents are unfortunate but intentionally throwing a ball at someone’s head is completely unacceptable.