CHICAGO – Benches and bullpens emptied in the third inning of Thursday’s contest between the White Sox and Reds at Rate Field when White Sox starter Davis Martin hit Sal Stewart with a pitch, and Stewart took umbrage by motioning and moving toward the mound with some words toward Martin.
Martin’s pitch prior was high and wild and went to the backstop, drawing a reaction from Stewart, who launched a 419-foot home run with one out in the first. Martin, known as one of the classier players in the game, immediately motioned to Stewart from the mound after the hit by pitch, seemingly indicating no ill intent.
Alan Porter, the home plate umpire and crew chief, still ejected Martin without any warnings issued to either side. Erick Fedde, who appeared to be in line to start Friday’s opener in Detroit, replaced Martin in the third. Martin worked just one inning Sunday against the Guardians, having his start washed out by an extended rain delay. Including Thursday’s shortened start, he has allowed 23 runs over his last five starts, with 15 of those runs coming in the first inning.
The White Sox are in a stretch of playing 16 straight games, although only three are coming outside of Chicago.
