Benches empty after Rays-Yankees game; Kevin Cash issues threat to Bombers’ hitters

Umpires issued warning to both benches before play resumed. Brousseau struck out swinging to end the game, giving the Yankees their second win against Tampa Bay in eight meetings.

Immediately afterward, the benches quickly emptied as players from both teams argued over the incident from minutes earlier.

Following the loss, Rays manager Kevin Cash didn’t hesitate to blast the Yankees for intentionally throwing at his players.

If calling out New York’s coaching staff and the club’s judgment wasn’t enough, Cash also seemingly threatened that he has pitchers who can retaliate.

“I can assure you, other than three years ago, there hasn’t been one pitch thrown with intent from any of our guys,” Kevin Cash said, via Juan Toribio. “Somebody has to be accountable, and the last thing I’ll say is I have a whole damn stable full of guys that throw 98 mph.”

MLB managers rarely ever support retaliatory pitches publicly, let alone threaten the other team that they could come. When Yankees skipper Aaron Boone heard about Cash’s comments, he expressed discomfort with the possibility of his players being threatened.

We saw earlier this season how seriously MLB is taking bench-clearing brawls following the Houston Astros-Oakland Athletics scuffle. Houston’s hitting coach Alex Cintron was suspended 20 games for instigating the fight.

Considering Cash’s comments on Tuesday night and the risks of another ugly incident in MLB’s newest rivalry, it wouldn’t be a surprise if commissioner Rob Manfred levies discipline on Wednesday.