MLB Controversies of the Week: Trevor Bauer wins $309K judgment, Ryan Weathers’ scary head injury & more
There is never a dull moment in MLB, and this past week featured several on and off-field controversies that intrigued fans.
Former MLB pitcher Trevor Bauer, one of the most polarizing figures in recent years, was in the news again, but not for his ability on the mound. Meanwhile, Miami Marlins pitcher Ryan Weathers made headlines after sustaining a bizarre head injury.
Another major talking point was MLB's decision to remove the Pride colors from their logo. Boston Red Sox rookie Hunter Dobbins also stirred controversy with his comments on the New York Yankees.
Here are the controversies from the week:
Trevor Bauer wins $309k defamation suit
Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer was suspended by MLB for 192 games in the wake of sexual allegations in 2021. The former Cy Young winner settled the case with his accuser, Lindsey Hill, two years ago.
However, Bauer accused Hill of breaching the terms of his settlement and filed a defamation lawsuit in October last year. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge on Tuesday settled the suit in favor of the former MLB pitcher.
The judge ordered Hill to pay Bauer $309,830 for violating the terms of their agreement 22 times.
Ryan Weathers' freak head injury
Miami Marlins pitcher Ryan Weathers suffered a bizarre injury at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Saturday.
During the game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Weathers was throwing warm-up pitches before the bottom of the first inning. After throwing his last pitch, catcher Nick Fortes threw the ball back toward second base.
However, the throw caught Weathers flush in the head, causing the pitcher to collapse on the ground. The Marlins hurler stayed in the game after being checked on by trainers.
MLB removes Pride rainbow from logo
Major League Baseball introduced a new logo with rainbow colors to celebrate Pride Month at the start of June. However, the league quickly removed the logo.
While MLB didn't release an official statement to clarify their stance, speculation suggested the decision was made because of backlash from political commentators in the past.
Red Sox rookie Hunter Dobbins sparks controversy with jibe at New York Yankees
The Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees share one of the most storied rivalries in baseball history. Red Sox rookie Hunter Dobbins enraged Yankees fans after saying:
“If the Yankees were the last team to give me a contract, I’d retire.”
The 25-year-old made the comments before his start against the Yankees in the series finale on Sunday. He pitched five innings and conceded four runs on five hits in an 11-7 win.
Yankees captain Aaron Judge, who had a multi-home run game in the series decider, took notice of the rookie's jibe.
"I’ve only heard Ken Griffey Jr. say that, so I was a little surprised,” Judge said.
Although Dobbins didn't have the best of nights on Sunday, Boston clinched the series with the victory.