Washington Nationals pitcher Jorge López has been suspended three games and fined for throwing at Pittsburgh’s Andrew McCutchen, Major League Baseball announced Thursday.

López was ejected from Wednesday night’s game against the Pirates after a high pitch near McCutchen’s head led to the benches briefly clearing in the seventh inning.

López hit the previous batter, Bryan Reynolds, with a pitch before facing McCutchen, who had to fall to the ground to avoid getting hit by a 92 mph ball near his head.

The right-hander has filed an appeal of the suspension, which was set to begin Thursday but will not take effect until that process is done.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez received a fine and one-game suspension because of the incident.

As the umpires gathered to discuss what happened during Wednesday’s game, McCutchen and López started arguing, which caused both benches to empty. Pirates outfielder Tommy Pham was also yelling while being held back by teammate Oneil Cruz.

Encarnacion-Strand goes on 10-day IL

The Cincinnati Reds placed first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand on the 10-day injured list with low back inflammation and recalled infielder Noelvi Marte from Triple-A Louisville.

Encarnacion-Strand is batting .158 this season with two homers and five RBIs in 18 games.

The Reds have options at first base. Jeimer Candelario started at first in Thursday’s series finale against the Mariners. Spencer Steer, who’s been limited to designated hitter duty with a shoulder issue is close to returning. Francona said utility man Santiago Espinal can also play first.

Braves call up OF Verdugo from Triple-A

The Atlanta Braves, looking to boost their struggling offense, recalled outfielder Alex Verdugo and optioned outfielder Bryan De La Cruz to Triple-A Gwinnett.

The Braves (5-13) are in last place in the NL East and rank 26th in the majors with 61 runs scored. They open a home series against Minnesota on Friday.

Verdugo, who signed a $1.5 million, one-year contract on March 20, opened the season in the minors because he had not participated in spring training.

The 28-year-old Verdugo hit .233 with 13 homers and 61 RBIs for the New York Yankees in 2024 following four seasons with Boston.

Angels sign Neris to minor-league deal

The Los Angeles Angels signed reliever Héctor Neris to a minor league contract and assigned him to their team in the Arizona Complex League.

Neris was the Philadelphia Phillies’ closer 2017-19, compiling 65 saves during that span. With the Houston Astros two years ago, Neris had a 1.71 ERA in 71 appearances.

Rockies name Hurdle new hitting coach

The Colorado Rockies fired hitting coach Hensley Meulens and replaced him with former manager Clint Hurdle.

The Rockies, who had the day off before starting a series against the Nationals, are 3-15. They are hitting .220, tied for 27th with 12 homers and last with 52 runs.

Hurdle managed the Rockies from 2002-09, a tenure highlighted by a trip to the World Series in 2007.