The final preseason game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees resulted in the clearing of benches.
Tampa Bay’s tolerance was finally tested by Randy Arozarena, the final Rays hitter to get pounded by Yankees pitcher Albert Abreu on Sunday afternoon.
As a result, the game in the Tropicana Field saw benches being cleared as the situation heated up.
Tensions rise in the 8th after Albert Abreu plunks Randy Arozarena with an errant pitch on @PrimeVideo. pic.twitter.com/gOs5C3FvAb
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) August 27, 2023
Arozarena was displeased by Abreu’s inside fastball and nearly slammed his bat in anger before turning to face the mound and making an attempt to speak to the pitcher.
Arozarena expressed displeasure at Abreu despite being restrained by home plate umpire Adam Beck. Eventually, after a minute Abreu started saying something back at the hitter.
Throughout the incident, Arozarena was held back by his coaching staff and the players. Arozarena believed that he was being hit on purposely. He was the fifth player to be hit in Sunday’s game.
The game was won by the Tampa Bay Rays and the score was 7-4. The issue was resolved when both the managers, Aaron Boone and Kevin Cash met in the middle ground and discussed.
