MLB Suspends Padres’ Ron Marinaccio and Craig Stammen for Hitting Gunnar Henderson

MLB Suspends Padres’ Ron Marinaccio and Craig Stammen for Hitting Gunnar Henderson

June 15, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

Major League Baseball suspended San Diego Padres reliever Ron Marinaccio for three games and manager Craig Stammen for one game on Monday. The discipline follows an incident where Marinaccio intentionally hit Baltimore Orioles hitter Gunnar Henderson during Saturday’s game, according to MLB Senior Vice President for On-Field Operations Michael Hill.

Why were Ron Marinaccio and Craig Stammen suspended?

MLB issued the suspensions and undisclosed fines after Marinaccio intentionally hit Gunnar Henderson with a pitch during the bottom of the ninth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. According to the league, the action warranted immediate discipline for both the player and the manager.

Why were Ron Marinaccio and Craig Stammen suspended?

Manager Craig Stammen was ejected by second-base umpire Chris Conroy after a “heated” and lengthy discussion following Marinaccio’s ejection. Stammen argued that the ejection wasn’t warranted and expressed frustration that the umpires didn’t issue a warning first.

Did You Know? Gunnar Henderson hit his 100th career home run during the series-opening game on Friday, where the Orioles defeated the Padres 7-3.

Was the hit to Gunnar Henderson retaliation?

Gunnar Henderson believes the pitch was “payback” for an earlier incident. In the fifth inning, rookie right-hander Trey Gibson hit Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts in the head with a 93.5 mph sinker, causing Bogaerts to leave the game with neck spasms.

Gunnar Henderson hits 100th career home run in Orioles' 7-3 win over Padres

Henderson noted that righty Bradgley Rodriguez threw two pitches well inside during the seventh inning. “You had your opportunity to get it back, and they did and missed,” Henderson said, suggesting the later hit by Marinaccio was an intentional act of retaliation.

Marinaccio and Stammen denied the intent. They claimed they were using a strategy to make Henderson uncomfortable by pitching inside. Marinaccio stated he “pulled a fastball a little bit too much,” while Stammen argued that pitching between the plate and the body is a standard part of the game.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the conflict highlights the thin line between tactical “inside pitching” and intentional retaliation. When a star player like Bogaerts is hit in the head, the emotional stakes rise, often leading to the kind of on-field volatility seen with Stammen’s ejection.

What happens next for the San Diego Padres?

Craig Stammen will serve his one-game suspension on Monday during the Padres’ road series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Bench coach Randy Knorr will serve as the acting manager for the game.

What happens next for the San Diego Padres?

Ron Marinaccio’s three-game suspension is currently held in abeyance. Because Marinaccio elected to file an appeal, he may continue to play until the appeal process is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t Ron Marinaccio serving his suspension immediately?
Marinaccio has filed an appeal, which puts his discipline in abeyance until the process is finished.

How did Xander Bogaerts get injured during the game?
Bogaerts was hit in the head by a 93.5 mph sinker thrown by Orioles rookie Trey Gibson in the fifth inning.

Who is managing the Padres during Stammen’s suspension?
Bench coach Randy Knorr is serving as the acting manager.

Do you think MLB’s decision to suspend the manager for a pitcher’s actions is fair?

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