During the 1st inning of yesterday’s Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s 5-4 win over the Boston Red Sox, Josh Beckett buzzed the head of Bobby Abreu after time was called.
Beckett had been holding Chone Figgins on 1st base for a long period of time, probably expecting time to be called. When it wasn’t, Beckett threw the pitch but at the last possible second, time was called and rather than get hurt, Beckett let the pitch go past Abreu’s head.
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Ironically enough, Beckett wasn’t ejected while four members of the Angels were ejected including manager Mike Scioscia, hitting coach Mickey Hatcher, center fielder Torii Hunter and reliever Justin Speier.
Personally, I don’t think Beckett was trying to hit Abreu. He was just trying to avoid injury by letting the pitch go. While most pitchers might not throw at someone’s head, it definitely didn’t look like he did it on purpose.
The Angels did get their revenge though as they were able to get the win.