Brewers manager condemns Uribe’s ‘unacceptable’ dugout gesture

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy has formally criticised relief pitcher Abner Uribe following a controversial on-field incident during the team’s 6-0 victory over the St Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night. The Brewers’ skipper described Uribe’s celebration as “unacceptable” and stated that the conduct did not align with the organisation’s standards, particularly given the lopsided nature of the contest.

The incident occurred in the eighth inning when Uribe struck out Alec Burleson to close out the frame. Following the strikeout, which was upheld after a challenge by the Cardinals, Uribe directed three “massive crotch chop” gestures towards the opposing dugout. Murphy, speaking to The Associated Press, expressed his dismay at the display, noting that the team was already leading by six runs at the time.

“I was embarrassed by it,” Murphy said. “Why are we doing it? It’s a 6-0 game. What are we doing there?” The manager emphasised that while Uribe is known for his emotional presence on the mound, such behaviour is not tolerated within the club. Murphy confirmed he has spoken with the pitcher about the matter, describing the player as a valuable asset to the team but insisting that the specific conduct in question cannot be accepted.

Uribe issued an apology through an interpreter later in the evening, acknowledging that his reaction was inappropriate. He cited a history of being “emotional out there” as context for his actions but also levelled allegations against St Louis manager Oliver Marmol. Uribe claimed that Marmol had made signs during a previous game on Monday suggesting an intent to intentionally hit Brewers batters, a claim Marmol declined to address when asked about Uribe’s actions.

The Brewers, who currently lead the National League Central with a 32-20 record, have won nine of their last 12 games. Uribe, in his fourth season with the club, holds a 2-2 record with a 4.42 earned run average across 20 appearances. It remains unclear whether Major League Baseball will impose further discipline beyond the internal discussion between the manager and the pitcher. The series between the two teams concludes on Wednesday afternoon.