Atlanta Braves: Jose Urena Suspension Sets Stage For Another Confrontation?

The Atlanta Braves drama of the week has come to an end for now with the news Jose Urena has been suspended for six games. Setting up another possible confrontation against the Miami pitcher.

Jose Urena plunking Atlanta Braves rookie Ronald Acuna Jr. has been the story in baseball this week. Major League Baseball came down on the pitcher suspending him for six games, which adds up to one turn in the rotation for Jose.

Personally, I believe the suspension to be a bit light considering the ramifications of Urena’s actions and how blatant they were. For example, Yasiel Puig of the Dodgers was given a two-game suspension for lesser actions.

He will miss two starts for his role in a fracas against the Giants. Suspending Jose Urena 10 games would be equally appropriate considering it would add up to two games missed for the starter.

Instead, baseball suspended him for one turn in the rotation setting up a return against Atlanta. If Urena doesn’t appeal his next start date would likely come against the Braves setting up another beanball war baseball so desperately wants to get away from.

If Urena starts against the Braves it is hard to see it ending in any positive way. The Marlins would be wise to hold Urena out for the remainder of the Braves series if they don’t want another bench-clearing incident on their hands.

If Urena was to pitch against the Braves when he is eligible to return the Braves are in a tough position. The unwritten rules demand retaliation, retaliation sending their starting pitcher out of the game and putting a strain on their bullpen.

At the same time, it is hard not to want a bit of revenge considering how close Urena came to hurting the team’s young slugger.

If the Marlins make the mistake of starting Urena against the Braves it will result in another benches-clearing incident with the Marlins.

Punishing Urena was the right move for baseball, letting him off lightly missing only one start was not.  It sets up another potential war for Atlanta and Miami one Atlanta will be ready for if Jose Urena dares step on the mound against Atlanta again this season.