Less than three days after Anthony Rizzo’s dirty slid into Elias Diaz, pitcher Joe Musgrove retaliated with a dirty slide of his own into Javier Baez during the bottom of the third inning to break up a double play.

Musgrove started his slide after he was already out at second and slowly knocked into Baez as he was attempitng to step off of the bag. Baez was unable to keep his balance so he stopped his throwing motion to first and stared at the umpire as the ump didn’t call the pitcher for his dirty slide in the bottom of the third inning.

The shortstop followed the pitcher for a bit and got into his face, which meant that both teams left their benches. Fortunately, the umpires were able to prevent a brawl from breaking out and getting the game back on track.

Per the MLB rules, this was not a bona fide slide as he didn’t begin he didn’t even try to beat out the throw to the bag and it was started right as he reached the bag.

A “bona fide slide” for purposes of Rule 6.01 occurs when the runner:

(1) begins his slide (i.e., makes contact with the ground) before reaching the base;

(2) is able and attempts to reach the base with his hand or foot;

(3) is able and attempts to remain on the base (except home plate) after completion of the slide; and

(4) slides within reach of the base without changing his pathway for the purpose of initiating contact with a fielder.

Unlike Rizzo’s slide, Musgrove didn’t continue at full speed through the defender after he was already out. So the pitcher doesn’t deserve a suspension, but he definitely deserves a fine and a stern warning about continuing this behavior. Because baseball doesn’t really need these cheep slides that