MLB suspends Mets reliever Jacob Rhame for intentionally throwing at Rhys Hoskins

Major League Baseball ruled Thursday that Mets pitcher Jacob Rhame intentionally threw at Rhys Hoskins earlier this week, suspending the reliever for two games.

Unless it is appealed, Rhame’s suspension will begin Friday. He was also fined. The ruling from MLB -- which said Rhame was penalized for “throwing a pitch in the area of the head of Rhys Hoskins” -- was in agreement with the sentiment the Phillies felt after Tuesday night’s loss at Citi Field.

Rhame, a 26-year-old righthander with just 43 career appearances, buzzed Hoskins twice with high-and-tight fastballs. The pitches, manager Gabe Kapler said, “damn sure looked” intentional. Zach Eflin, who started that night for the Phillies, said “a lot of people aren’t happy about it.” Bryce Harper said he understood why a pitcher would hit a batter, but said a pitcher has to hit the batter in the rear and not throw at his head. Rhame said afterward that he was just trying to pitch inside.

“He didn't miss up and in or out and up to a lefty the rest of the inning, so I'll let you decide,” Hoskins said when asked if he thought it was intentional.

Hoskins barked at Rhame on Tuesday night and players from both teams left the dugouts. But Hoskins did not retaliate until the next night when he homered off Rhame and took an ever-so-slow stroll around the bases.

“I enjoyed the moment. I just enjoyed the moment,” Hoskins said. “I think to put an exclamation point on a win like that when we really needed it. I think that’s what everyone in here is most excited about.”

An MRI on Thursday afternoon revealed that Roman Quinn’s latest injury will be enough to sideline the outfielder for several weeks. Quinn, who is on the disabled list for the second time this season and has yet to have an injury-free season, suffered a grade-two strain in his right groin, the Phillies said. Quinn was hurt Wednesday night running to first base.

A groin issue, Quinn said, is something he has never dealt with.

“Put it on my list,” Quinn said.

The Phillies will have to fill Quinn’s absence in center field until Odubel Herrera returns from the injured list, which Kapler said could happen as soon as Monday. Aaron Altherr started there on Thursday night and even Dylan Cozens could play in center, Kapler said. Another scenario would have Andrew McCutchen playing center field and Nick Williams playing left to enter the starting lineup for the first time. That could happen Friday.

“Roman is not trying to get hurt,” Kapler said. “To his defense, he has done everything in his power, this poor kid has done everything in his power to stay on the field and his body just has not cooperated. I feel terrible for him because he is an uber-talented individual.”

Jean Segura (left hamstring strain) remains on track to be activated from the injured list on Saturday. Scott Kingery (right hamstring strain) could be two weeks away from being activated. ... Jerad Eickhoff will start Friday against Marlins righthander Jose Urena.