That Indians SP Carlos Carrasco was bounced for plunking the Yankees’ Kevin Youkilis last night immediately following the former serving up a big meatball to Robinson Cano, is not, in and of itself remarkable. That Carrasco’s ejection came after his first game since being suspended 2 years ago for drilling KC’s Billy Butler, however, is a little more noteworthy, as the Plan-Dealer’s Paul Hoynes details.
“I know it doesn’t look good,” said Carrasco. “I want to say I’m sorry. I didn’t want to hit anybody.”
Carrasco threw over Butler’s head on July 29, 2011 following a homer by Melky Cabrera and was hit with a six-game suspension. He made one more start that year before undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow and missing all of last season. When this season began, the Indians put him on the 25-man roster so he could serve his suspension before returning to Class AAA Columbus.
When Scott Kazmir went down with a rib cage injury, Carrasco stayed in the big leagues so he could start Tuesday.
“I slipped (on the pitch that hit Youkilis),” said Carrasco. “That’s the truth. I was throwing 95 to 96 the whole game. I slipped and threw 90 mph.”Said Youkilis: “When that comes after we score seven runs, it doesn’t look good. But I’m not here to decipher such things. I’m here to play baseball.”