Cincinnati Reds outfielder Tommy Pham slapped San Francisco Giants outfielder Joc Pederson on the face before their game on Friday in a dispute triggered by a disagreement in a fantasy football league.
The Athletic was first to report on the story and Pederson confirmed it when talking to reporters after the Reds' 5-1 win.
"It was an unfortunate situation over a fantasy football rule," Pederson said, adding it was a "surprise" when Pham approached him and voiced his thoughts on fantasy football.
Players from both teams ran to the outfield after the confrontation broke out during Reds batting practice.
"I don't think violence is the answer, I guess you can say," Pham said.
Pham was scratched before the game.
The Athletic's C. Trent Rosecrans reported MLB is investigating and Pham agreed not to play pending the investigation.
The game started two hours late because of inclement weather.
Pederson said Pham sent a text in a group chat claiming he was cheating after the Giants outfielder put a player on injured reserve when he was listed as out and added another player in the fantasy football league. Pederson felt it was not against the rules and sent a screen shot to make his case. He also said Pham made a very similar move with his roster.
The Athletic, citing sources, says several players from both teams are in the fantasy football league.
Giants manager Gabe Kapler told reporters his team was looking into the pre-game incident.
"We're investigating and learning as much as we can about the incident," Kapler said. "I don't have much more for you than that right now. I sense that we'll have a clearer understanding after the game."
