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MLB Announces Two Suspensions For Pirates-Nats Incident

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Apr 17, 2025 2:18 PM ET

MLB announced two suspensions following a bench-clearing incident between the Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates.

During the seventh inning of Wednesday's game, Nationals relief pitcher Jorge Lopez threw a fastball high and inside at Andrew McCutchen's head. The Pirates veteran dived out of the way before both dugouts charged the field. Lopez, who hit Bryan Reynolds in the prior plate appearance, was ejected.

On Thursday, MLB suspended Lopez three games for "intentionally throwing at McCutchen." Manager Davey Martinez also received a one-game suspension.

Per The Washington Post's Andrew Golden, Martinez will serve his suspension in Thursday afternoon's final game of a four-game series at Pittsburgh. Bench coach Miguel Cario will serve as the interim manager. However, Lopez will appeal his ban.

9.2.24 ➡️ Reynolds & McCutchen homer off of Jorge López

Tonight ➡️ López nearly hits them both with a pitch, benches clear, and he is ejected pic.twitter.com/XeycEpcssF
— SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) April 17, 2025

Mitchell Parker allowed one run over six strong innings before Washington replaced the starter. Lopez, who allowed three runs in his previous outing, promptly pitched into trouble.

The 32-year-old righty allowed two singles before recording two groundouts. He nearly hit McCutchen two pitches after plucking Reynolds.

Lopez and McCutchen exchanged words before the benches cleared. Oneil Cruz held back teammate Tommy Pham before icing a 6-1 victory with a grand slam in the next at-bat.

According to Golden, Lopez denied intentionally throwing at McCutchen. He said he changed where he stood on the pitcher's mound Wednesday after a rough start to the 2025 season.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 24: Andrew McCutchen #22 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning at loanDepot park on June 24, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)Megan Briggs/Getty Images

"I apologize for everything," Lopez said. "I didn't make any purpose pitch right there. I've been trying to find my way with my delivery, been trying to find my way through the whole season. It's really miserable to have that happen. I regret what just happened."

Lopez claimed he was "trying to resolve the problem" when talking to McCutchen after the incident.

"I'm just here to tell you I got no problem with you," he said. "Just part of the game where you don't want to be, but just another lesson to learn."

This isn't Lopez's first notable ejection. Last year, he threw his glove into the stands after getting tossed for arguing with the third-base umpire. The New York Mets released him the next day.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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