The scene at U.S. Cellular Field turned ugly during the seventh inning of Thursday’s game between the White Sox and Royals.
Adam Eaton hit a shot back up the middle that was snared by Yordano Ventura. Prior to tossing the ball to first base, Ventura appeared to say “f–k you” to Eaton as he ran by. What followed was Eaton turning around towards Ventura, both dugouts emptying, and a brawl taking place near first base.
For their roles in the skirmish, Ventura, Chris Sale, Jeff Samardzija, Lorenzo Cain, and Edinson Volquez were all ejected.
To say Yordano Ventura has had a rocky start to the season would be an understatement. Thursday marked his fourth start of the season. He left two games due to injury and has now been ejected for the second consecutive outing.
Ventura was tossed from last Saturday’s game against the A’s after hitting Brett Lawrie with a pitch. In his second start this season, Ventura got into it with Mike Trout, which also caused benches to clear.
Earlier this month, the Royals signed Ventura to a five-year contract extension worth $23 million. In 2014, the 23-year-old went 14-10 with a 3.20 ERA in 183 innings.
