Reds Rookie Sal Stewart Gets Plunked: Why His Teammates Might Need to "Have His Back"

What Happened on Saturday?

Imagine you’re playing a game of dodgeball, but instead of a soft foam ball, someone throws a rock-hard baseball at 97 miles per hour right at your elbow. That’s exactly what happened to Cincinnati Reds rookie Sal Stewart during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Here’s the play-by-play:

1. Bottom of the 4th inning – Stewart steps up to the plate
2. Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft fires a 97 mph fastball
3. The ball drills Stewart right on the left elbow
4. Stewart reacts – slams his bat, rips off his protective gear, clearly furious
5. The crowd boos loudly at Great American Ball Park
6. Trainers and manager Terry Francona rush out to check on him
7. Stewart stays in the game – tough kid walks to first base despite the pain

Important Point: This was the 3rd time this season Stewart has been hit by a pitch, and the 2nd time in just two weeks!

Who Is Sal Stewart and Why Does This Matter?

Sal Stewart isn’t just any rookie – he’s becoming one of the best hitters in baseball. Think of him like the new kid at school who immediately becomes the star player everyone wants on their team.

• He plays with intensity and emotion (what baseball folks call "an edge")
• He’s a major run producer (RBI machine)
• Opposing pitchers are scared to pitch to him normally
• So they might start throwing inside more often to mess him up

The "Unwritten Rules" of Baseball: Old School vs. New School

This is where it gets interesting. Reds radio broadcaster Jeff Brantley (nicknamed "The Cowboy") shared a very old-school opinion on the radio after the game.

What Brantley Said (In Simple Terms)

"The Reds need to protect Stewart. You can’t let other teams keep hitting your best hitter. If they throw at him, our pitchers need to hit one of their best players back. That’s just how it works."

The "Code" Explained Like You’re 5

The Specific Scenario Brantley Mentioned

If this were the 1980s: Pirates’ best hitter Brandon Lowe would’ve led off the next inning… and Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott would’ve drilled him on purpose. "That’s just the way it worked."

Why This Is Complicated Today

Important Reality Check:

• We don’t know if Ashcraft hit Stewart on purpose – pitchers sometimes lose control
• Intentional retaliation gets you ejected, fined, and suspended
• Modern teams hate losing pitchers to suspensions
• But… Brantley’s core point remains: Teammates need to protect each other

What This Means for the Reds Going Forward

Since Stewart is so good, he’s going to get pitched inside more often. That means:

1. More close calls – pitches near his hands/body
2. Potential for more hit-by-pitches – accidental or not
3. The Reds need a plan – how will they respond?
4. Team chemistry matters – players need to feel protected

The Big Question: How Should Teams Protect Stars Today?

Since old-school retaliation is mostly gone, modern teams use different tactics:

• Verbal warnings from dugout/umpires
• Official complaints to the league office
• Pitching strategy – make opponents pay on the scoreboard
• Team unity – visibly supporting the hit player
• Trust the system – let MLB discipline handle intentional throws

Summary

Sal Stewart, a rising star for the Cincinnati Reds, got hit by a 97 mph fastball on Saturday – his third hit-by-pitch this season. He was mad but stayed in the game.

Legendary broadcaster Jeff Brantley said the Reds must protect Stewart using old-school "eye for an eye" justice – meaning Reds pitchers should hit a Pirates batter back. While that was standard in the 1980s, today’s game has strict penalties for intentional throws.

The dilemma: Stewart’s talent means he’ll keep getting targeted. The Reds need to find modern ways to have his back without costing themselves games or players.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Was the pitch that hit Stewart intentional?

Probably not. Pitchers sometimes lose control, especially when trying to throw inside to a dangerous hitter. At 97 mph, even a tiny mistake hits the batter. The article specifically says "it’s doubtful that he hit Stewart on purpose."

Why would a pitcher throw at a batter on purpose?

In the "unwritten rules," pitchers might intentionally hit a batter to:

• Send a message ("Don’t crowd the plate")
• Retaliate for a teammate getting hit
• Intimidate a hot hitter
• Enforce "respect" for the game’s traditions

What happens if a pitcher intentionally hits someone today?

Big trouble! The pitcher gets:

• Ejected from the game immediately
• Suspended (usually 5-10 games for starters)
• Fined (thousands of dollars)
• Manager often suspended/fined too
• Team plays short-handed during suspension

Is "protecting teammates" still important in modern baseball?

Absolutely! Just the methods have changed. Teams show protection by:

• Rushing to support the hit player
• Verbal confrontations (within limits)
• Beating the opponent on the scoreboard
• Public statements of support
• Trusting MLB to punish truly dirty plays

Why is Sal Stewart getting hit so much?

Two main reasons:

1. He’s really good – pitchers must throw inside to get him out
2. He plays with emotion – some opponents don’t like his style
3. Rookie treatment – veterans sometimes "welcome" young stars this way

Want to watch the play? Check out the original article for video and more details!