Pirates' Tommy Pham Suspended One Game For Innapropriate Actions

May 13, 2025 , ,
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Tommy Pham jogs before 2024 game.

Tommy Pham missed Monday's game against the New York Mets after MLB handed down a one-game suspension for inappropriate behavior toward a fan during an April 23 game at Angels Stadium. 

The Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder had initially appealed the ruling, but whether the appeal was denied or withdrawn, Pham is now serving the punishment.

Incident Stems from April Clash with Angels Fan

The suspension stems from a fifth-inning moment in Anaheim when Pham was fielding a double by Angels catcher Travis d’Arnaud near the left-field wall. As he retrieved the ball, a fan in the stands made contact with him using a glove. 

Pham, visibly irritated, responded with a crude gesture and urged stadium security to remove the fan. The exchange was caught on the broadcast and led to loud boos from Angels fans throughout the rest of the game—even as Pham delivered an RBI single in the ninth to seal a 3-0 Pirates win.

MLB's Senior VP of On-Field Operations, Michael Hill, issued both the suspension and an undisclosed fine. This wasn’t Pham’s first altercation with fans—he previously had a spring training incident where he directed a vulgar insult toward a heckler.

Pirates’ Outfield Plans Without Pham

Pham’s season hasn’t exactly offset the controversy. He's slashing just .176/.262/.213 through 34 games, with six RBIs and little power production. However, his defensive play in left field has been steady, logging 26 starts and 44 putouts in 46 chances. 

Signed to a one-year, $4 million deal in February, Pham now gives way for the night to Matt Gorski, Ji Hwan Bae, Alexander Canario, or veteran Andrew McCutchen as the Pirates shuffle their outfield against the Mets.

Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images 

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