Nationals Pitcher Shawn Kelley Sent to Minors Following Mound Tantrum

The Washington Nationals have designated reliever Shawn Kelley for assignment, one day after he threw a tantrum on the mound following a home run.

In the ninth inning of Washington’s 25-4 drubbing of the New York Mets on Tuesday, Kelley allowed a home run to Austin Jackson after he had been told to slow down by the plate umpire.

Shawn Kelley clearly thrilled to be closing out a 24 run lead… pic.twitter.com/I88bKNbmS8

— Tim Murray (@1TimMurray) August 1, 2018

Kelley wound up and flung his glove to the ground.

“I thought that the act that he portrayed on the field last night was disrespectful to the name on the front of the jersey, the organization, specifically [manager] Davey Martinez,” general manager Mike Rizzo said Wednesday. “You’re either in or you’re in the way, and I thought he was in the way.

Naturally fans gave their two cents about the designation. Pitching can clearly be emotional.

The #Nats just designated Shawn Kelly for assignment. Wow!😯 Didn't see that happening at all. He was visibly upset on the field last night… Wonder if he already got the heads up.

— Kristopher McDonald (@KMDCfan4life) August 1, 2018

Shawn Kelly should be sent to the minors for that. Are you fucking kidding me?

— Coach (@TheRealMr83) August 1, 2018

#Nationals GM Mike Rizzo calls newly released RHP Shawn Kelly “Selfish” Rizzo continued:

“You’re either in or you’re in the way. I thought he was in the way.”

Seems like there’s a little bit of dysfunction in the #Nats’ clubhouse.

— Matthew Aung (@MatthewS_Aung) August 1, 2018

Shawn Kelly spiking his glove after giving up a homer in a 25-4 win reminds me of when I was pissed after getting walked in a 28-3 win in eighth grade. Completely overshadowed the fact that I went 5-5, at least in my mind

— Jason Kinander (@JasonKinander) August 1, 2018