Spencer Steer hit by Landen Roupp pitch intentionally | Sadak/Larkin

TL;DR

Spencer Steer was hit by a pitch from Landen Roupp during a game, which commentators suggested was intentional retaliation for a previous incident with Giants pitcher JT Brubaker. The Reds had shared video of the earlier confrontation, which led to the expectation of Roupp's action.

Key points

Spencer Steer was hit by a pitch from Landen Roupp
The incident was seen as retaliation for a previous confrontation
Reds shared video of Steer's earlier at-bat against JT Brubaker

Cincinnati RedsSan Francisco GiantsSpencer SteerLanden Roupp

Cincinnati Reds left fielder Spencer Steer was hit by the first pitch he saw from San Francisco Giants starter Landen Roupp during the second inning of their series finale April 16 at Great American Ball Park, and Reds.TV's John Sadak and Barry Larkin indicated during the broadcast that Roupp's HBP of Steer appeared to be retaliation for an incident one night earlier between Steer and Giants relief pitcher JT Brubaker.

The Reds shared video of Steer's contentious at-bat in the bottom of the seventh inning of Cincinnati's 8-3 win against Brubaker. In the video, Steer appeared to tell Brubaker to "throw the f---ing ball" before Steer singled on an 0-2 count. The Reds deleted the tweet, which included "ttyl" as a caption.

"That seems decidedly intentional," Sadak said after Roupp plunked Steer.

"Looks like it to me," Larkin added.

"The reaction down here (in the Reds' dugout) was they were kind of expecting that," reporter Jim Day said.

"If there was something there, hopefully it's over with," Larkin added.

Steer called timeout one night earlier after swinging at Brubaker's second pitch, and stepped out of the batter's box.

Brubaker waited, went into his windup, and home plate umpire Quinn Wolcott called timeout. Brubaker protested, pointed toward home plate, threw up his arms and yelled.

Steer then singled into left field.

Cincinnati Reds left fielder Spencer Steer (7) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the third inning between the Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball in Cincinnati on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Q&A

Why did Landen Roupp hit Spencer Steer with a pitch?

Landen Roupp hit Spencer Steer as a perceived act of retaliation for an earlier confrontation between Steer and Giants pitcher JT Brubaker.

What happened between Spencer Steer and JT Brubaker?

During a previous game, Spencer Steer had a contentious at-bat against JT Brubaker, where he urged Brubaker to throw the ball, leading to heightened tensions.

What was the reaction from the Reds after Steer was hit?

Commentators and reporters noted that the Reds' dugout expected Roupp to hit Steer, indicating a belief that it was an intentional act.