MLB Controversies of the Week: Liam Hendriks’ death threat ordeal, Walker Buehler-Francisco Lindor drama, Darin Ruf lawsuit & more
Another week of exciting MLB action is in the books. With all the high-energy play on the field, some drama and a little friction were bound to creep in between players and personalities.
The most controversial incident of the week involved Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks and his wife. On Thursday, Hendriks said he and his family had received death threats after his recent struggles on the mound.
Meanwhile, on the field, Walker Buehler and Francisco Lindor butted heads in a heated game in Boston. Elsewhere, Darin Ruf sued the Cincinnati Reds for an accident involving a tarp roller.
Other notable MLB events include Rays manager Kevin Cash possibly facing suspension after arguing and Braves All-Star Orlando Arcia being released by the team.
Liam Hendriks and wife receive death threats from MLB fans
On Thursday, Red Sox reliever Liam Hendriks called out MLB fans who have allegedly been sending death threats to him and his wife.
“Threats against my life and my wife’s life are horrible and cruel,” Hendriks wrote. “You need help. Comments telling me to commit suicide and how you wish I died from cancer is disgusting and vile. Maybe you should take a step back and re-evaluate your life’s purpose before hiding behind a screen attacking players and their families.
“Whether you do it from your ‘fake accounts’ or are dumb enough to do it from your real account, I think I speak for all players who have had to deal with this in their career when I say: Enough is enough.”
The three-time All-Star was rocked in a high-stakes contest against the Mets last week as he gave up three earned runs and incurred a loss.
Francisco Lindor advocates for Walker Buehler's ejection
Still within the realms of the drama-filled Red Sox-Mets series, Mets star Francisco Lindor was seen visibly egging on home plate umpire Mike Estabrook to toss Red Sox starter Walker Buehler from the game.
The two had met just moments earlier as Buehler "hit" Lindor with a pitch that the latter seemed to have leaned on. Already irate, Buehler then argued with the official after throwing what he thought was a strike to Juan Soto. This incurred an ejection for the starter and, eventually, manager Alex Cora, who came to the defense of his player.
Darin Ruf sues the Reds
After incurring a gruesome injury, Darin Ruf is suing the Cincinnati Reds for failing to maintain safe field conditions.
The incident dates back to June 2, 2023, when the Brewers faced the Reds at the Great American Ballpark. Ruf tried to catch a ball on foul territory near first base but accidentally bumped his knee on the tarp roller. Ruf fractured his patella and was forced to retire due to the severity of the injury.
Rays skipper faces possible suspension
In Wednesday afternoon's contest between Tampa Bay and Houston, Rays skipper Kevin Cash was livid after a controversial call in the eighth inning. Rays reliever Edwin Uceta got Yainer Diaz to swing, hitting him on the hand.
What should have been an inning-ending strikeout was reviewed by MLB officials Jim Wold and Alan Porter. This irked Cash, who was tossed by Porter. However, he then came back to the field and started pointing at Wold.
Porter stated after the game that the league would decide if Cash would be suspended for the incident.
Braves All-Star Orlando Arcia released
2023 All-Star Orlando Arcia has been released by the Atlanta Braves. After being designated for assignment, Arcia went unclaimed through waivers, leading to his release from the club. It has been an uphill battle for the middle infielder as he's batted just .194 and recorded a solitary RBI in 14 games this year.