The Baltimore Orioles are at the center of more controversy after Craig Kimbrel hit Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a pitch. Trying to keep a 5-1 deficit from getting any worse, Kimbrel was on in the seventh inning facing the red-hot Guerrero.
Kimbrel's 1-2 pitch came up and in and hit Guerrero on the shoulder. He jumped back after the pitch and reset. Blue Jays manager John Schneider went to check on his star player, and he had words for Kimbrel on the way out.
Ultimately, nothing came of the hit-by-pitch, as the benches did not clear and no one was ejected. The Toronto Blue Jays earned the win over Baltimore as well. This is not the first time the Orioles have been embroiled in controversy over hitting batters, and MLB fans had their say on the incident.
"I don’t fw the jays, but I stand wit vladdy here," one said.
"Os are dirty asf or what," another stated.
"It’s not about him doing it on purpose. It’s about the lack of control that could potentially hurt one of their best players….. pitch the ball without hitting someone or get off the damn mound," another added.
"What a surprise orioles almost hurting another super star color me surprised," one said.
Fans aren't happy with how the Orioles have acted on many occasions this year.
Orioles are in hot water with multiple teams
This is the second time the Baltimore Orioles have found themselves in such controversy over hit batsmen. This one was rather mild, but there was another incident a few weeks ago that involved a bench-clearing event.
Clay Holmes hit Heston Kjerstad in the helmet during an eventual win, prompting Orioles manager Brandon Hyde to have words with the New York Yankees closer while both benches cleared. It led to more bad blood down the line.
These three teams are all divisional rivals, which only adds to the tension. The Blue Jays aren't in the race and might not be as bothered by the Orioles, but the Yankees are. In fact, they are a half-game up on Baltimore for the division lead.