Padres Pitcher Marinaccio Faces Three-Game Suspension After Intentional Hit on Orioles Henderson
San Diego Padres reliever Ron Marinaccio has been handed a three‑game suspension and an undisclosed fine for intentionally throwing at Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson during the bottom of the ninth inning of Saturday’s game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The discipline was announced by Major League Baseball (MLB) today, with MLB’s Senior Vice President for On‑Field Operations, Michael Hill, issuing the statement.
The suspension was scheduled to begin tonight, when the Padres start a road series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Marinaccio has filed an appeal, so the suspension is currently on hold until the appeal process concludes. In addition, Padres manager Craig Stammen has received a one‑game suspension and an undisclosed fine for the intentional throwing. Stammen will serve his suspension tonight in St. Louis.
The incident occurred in the final inning of the Orioles’ 5‑2 win over the Padres. Marinaccio’s pitch struck Henderson in the chest, and the play was ruled a hit‑by‑pitch. MLB’s policy on intentional hits treats the act as a violation of player safety and on‑field conduct, and the league’s disciplinary framework allows for suspensions and fines in such cases.
Marinaccio, 27, has been with the Padres since 2024 and made his MLB debut in 2022. Henderson, 24, is a shortstop for the Orioles who also plays third base. He made his MLB debut in 2022 and has been recognized as a key contributor to the Orioles’ lineup.
According to MLB’s announcement, the fine imposed on Marinaccio is undisclosed. The league’s policy does not require the amount to be made public, and the fine is typically determined based on the severity of the infraction and the player’s prior disciplinary record.
The Padres’ manager, Craig Stammen, 39, has been in the role since 2023. Stammen’s suspension is a one‑game ban, and the fine is also undisclosed. Stammen’s suspension will take effect in the Padres’ first game of the series against the Cardinals, which begins tonight in St. Louis.
The appeal process allows the pitcher to contest the suspension. MLB’s rules state that a player may file an appeal within a specified period after the disciplinary action is announced. While the appeal is pending, the suspension is not enforced, and the player may continue to participate in games.
The Padres’ road trip to St. Louis follows the Baltimore series. The team’s schedule for the next week includes games against the Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs, with the Padres aiming to improve their standing in the National League West.
The incident has drawn attention to MLB’s ongoing efforts to curb intentional hits and protect player safety. MLB’s on‑field operations division, headed by Michael Hill, has emphasized that intentional pitches are a serious violation of the game’s integrity.
The Orioles’ front office has not issued a statement regarding the incident. Henderson has not reported any injury from the hit, and he is expected to return to the lineup in the next game.
The Padres’ organization has not released a statement about Marinaccio’s appeal. The league’s disciplinary process will determine whether the suspension is upheld, reduced, or overturned.
The suspension and fine are part of MLB’s broader policy to enforce player conduct rules. The league has previously disciplined pitchers for similar infractions, including suspensions ranging from one to five games.
The outcome of Marinaccio’s appeal will be announced once the league reviews the evidence and the player’s arguments. Until then, the Padres will play their upcoming game in St. Louis with Marinaccio eligible to pitch.
In summary, Marinaccio’s intentional hit on Henderson has resulted in a three‑game suspension and a fine, both currently on hold due to an appeal. Craig Stammen’s one‑game suspension will take effect tonight in St. Louis. The incident underscores MLB’s commitment to player safety and the enforcement of on‑field conduct rules.
