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There is a great opportunity for Major League Baseball to make an example of a young player and set the tone for the 2015 season. If MLB does not suspend Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Yordano Ventura immediately due to the immature incident that unfolded against the Chicago White Sox Thursday night, players will have no respect for commissioner Rob Manfred and decide to take matters into their own hands.
In a game that saw both Ventura and White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale be a bit wild with their pitches, it was quite clear ejections were inevitable. Ironically, it was not a hit batter that caused the brawl between the two teams to erupt. Instead, it was Ventura shouting obscenities at Chicago outfielder Adam Eaton while he jogged down the first-base line after hitting a hard grounder to Ventura that led to a fight that saw five players get ejected.
Even fans of the Royals have to admit what Ventura did was uncalled for and idiotic. He not only directed vulgar language towards Eaton, but also the home plate umpire, who was trying to hold Ventura back, and any White Sox player who came within his vicinity. In fact, the people working the telecast had to blur out Ventura’s mouth every time he was on camera because he never stopped shouting obscenities.
Punches were thrown, relationships were dampened and rivalries were renewed all because Ventura was unable to keep his mouth shut and play the game the right way. The fact that this is hardly the first time something like this has happened (it was his second ejection in two games) proves MLB has no choice but to make an example of him.
There is no word yet on a suspension, but do not be surprised if Ventura is forced to miss his next start.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
