Without some drama, it wouldn't be a St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs series. That drama got ratcheted up a notch as the MLB handed down suspensions after Miles Mikolas hit Ian Happ with a pitch Thursday.
In the first inning of Thursday's game. Cubs outfielder Ian Happ took a swing that knocked down former teammate and St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras. Happ's hit drew blood, and Contreras had to leave the game with a scalp laceration.
After Contreras left the game, starting pitcher Miles Mikolas threw inside to Happ, moving him back. The umpiring crew gave no warnings to stop. On the next pitch, Happ was hit on the lower hip area. Happ seemed to be ok, almost knowing this would happen after knocking out their catcher from the game.
As Happ made it to first base, the umpires met to discuss the matter and ejected him from the game. Mikolas took exception and argued with the umpiring crew. Manager Oli Marmol quickly got in between Mikolas and the umpires. Marmol took exception, as no warning was given before Mikolas was removed from the game. Umpires do not have to give a warning if they believe the hit-by-pitch was on purpose.
Marmol turned to go back to the dugout when the umpire ejected him from the game for arguing. Marmol then got his money's worth in arguing with the crew.
Miles Mikolas suspended five games, Oli Marmol one for Ian Happ incident
Punishment was handed down by Michael Hill, MLB's senior vice president for On-Field Operations.
Mikolas will appeal this decision. Marmol will sit out Fridays game against the Cubs, allowing bench coach Joe McEwing to take the reins. Marmol was also assessed a fine of an unknown amount for Mikolas's actions.
This punishment seems to compound an already bad situation. Mikolas was removed two batters into the game Thursday. Mikolas has been one of the better-starting pitchers for the Cardinals. The Cardinals turned to their bullpen for the remainder of the game, using Dakota Hudson, Andrew Suarez, and Drew VerHagen. The Cardinals lost 10-3.
While Mikolas's suspension will be held off until they have a hearing on the matter, this happens during tense times for the Cardinals, who are busy looking to bolster their pitching before the trade deadline on August 1.
Contreras returns to the lineup tonight as the Cardinals designated hitter.
