The Chicago Cubs have placed right-handed pitcher Colten Brewer on the 60-day injured list following a broken left hand sustained in a fit of frustration.
Brewer was brought into Saturday’s game during the third inning of Chicago’s matchup against the Los Angeles Angels.
Taking over for starter Kyle Hendricks with the Cubs trailing 2-0, Brewer’s outing was brief and turbulent. He recorded only two outs while allowing two hits, two walks, a hit batter, and three runs (one earned).
The Angels capitalized on Brewer’s struggles – and ended up winning the game 7-0.
Needless to say, Brewer was quite unhappy with his performance. Unfortunately, he chose to take his frustration out on a dugout wall … It was a battle the wall won.
Notably, it was his non-pitching hand that he injured. That’s the only positive thing to come from this.
Brewer expressed remorse over the incident, knowing full well that the team will suffer because of his absence.
“My intention wasn’t to break my hand,” Brewer told reporters Sunday.
“I’ll get frustrated and make mistakes. That’s no excuse. There’s a lot I can prove out there, that I’m willing not to do stuff like that. Emotions get the best of us sometimes.”
Manager Craig Counsell also commented on the unfortunate situation.
“When those things happen, you know you screwed up,” Counsell told reporters.
“That was the conversation. Then there’s consequences for the mistakes you make. It’s an unfortunate mistake, and he let emotions get the best of him … It’s not who he is, but it’s a mistake that he made.”
Brewer, a six-year MLB veteran, is in his first season with the Cubs.
Over 16 relief appearances this season, the 31-year-old pitcher has posted a 5.66 ERA, with 22 strikeouts, nine walks, a save, and a blown save.
In response to Brewer’s injury, the Cubs have called up right-hander Hunter Bigge from Triple-A Iowa, hoping to bolster their bullpen in Brewer’s absence.
Of course, blowups in baseball are not that uncommon.
Whether it’s a fight between players, managers, fans, or an incident similar to the one involving Brewer, you can always count on more than a few blowups each and every season.
Here’s a look at some of the most memorable ones throughout baseball history…
–Pedro Martínez and Don Zimmer Brawl (2003):
During the 2003 ALCS between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, a bench-clearing brawl occurred. The most memorable moment was when 72-year-old Yankees coach Don Zimmer charged Pedro Martínez, who then threw Zimmer to the ground.
–Yankees-Red Sox Rivalry Brawls:
Numerous intense brawls have erupted between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox over the years, often involving star players and leading to significant suspensions and fines.
–George Brett’s Pine Tar Incident (1983):
George Brett of the Kansas City Royals hit a go-ahead home run, but the New York Yankees’ manager Billy Martin protested, claiming Brett’s bat had too much pine tar. The home run was initially nullified, causing Brett to storm out of the dugout in a famous rage. The ruling was later overturned.
–Lou Piniella’s Hat-Kicking Tirade (2007):
Known for his fiery temperament, Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella kicked his hat and dirt and yelled at an umpire during a game against the Atlanta Braves. His outburst became a classic example of managerial meltdowns.
–Earl Weaver’s Legendary Ejections:
Earl Weaver, the legendary manager of the Baltimore Orioles, was ejected 94 times in his career. His confrontations with umpires were often theatrical, filled with shouting, hat-throwing, and even physical gestures.
-Nolan Ryan vs. Robin Ventura Fight (1993):
During a game between the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox, pitcher Nolan Ryan hit batter Robin Ventura with a pitch. Ventura charged the mound, leading to a famous brawl where the 46-year-old Ryan put Ventura in a headlock and delivered several punches.
–Albert Belle’s Bat Corking Incident (1994):
Cleveland Indians’ Albert Belle was accused of using a corked bat. When the umpires confiscated the bat, Belle’s teammate, Jason Grimsley, tried to replace it with a clean bat by crawling through the ceiling of the clubhouse, leading to a bizarre and heated controversy.
–Carlos Zambrano’s Meltdown (2009):
Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano had multiple outbursts, but one of the most notable was in 2009 when he was ejected for arguing balls and strikes, leading him to throw a ball into left field, smash a Gatorade dispenser with a bat, and receive a six-game suspension.
-Milton Bradley’s Dugout Destruction (2008):
During a game with the Texas Rangers, Milton Bradley tore apart a cooler and other dugout equipment in a fit of rage after a strikeout. Bradley was known for his temper, and this was one of his most memorable outbursts.
–Jonathan Papelbon vs. Bryce Harper (2015):
Washington Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon got into a physical altercation with teammate Bryce Harper in the dugout. Papelbon grabbed Harper by the throat during an argument, highlighting internal tensions within the team.
Of course, these are just some of the several legendary blowups throughout baseball history.
What are your personal favorites?
If you had to rank your top five of all-time, what would the order be???