Miami Marlins starter Jose Urena was hit with a six-game suspension from Major League Baseball on Thursday.

Urena was suspended for intentionally hitting Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday. Acuna was hit with a fastball in his first at-bat of the game and was forced to exit. The benches cleared following the ptich and Urena was ejected from the game.

Acuna had led off three straight games against Miami with a home run and Urena's fastball came well inside. Urena denied intentionally throwing at the Braves' outfielder after the game, but MLB evidently saw things another way. Urena was also fined an undisclosed amount.

Urena is expected to appeal the suspension and make a start against the New York Yankees next week. If Urena does not appeal the suspension, he would be scheduled to face the Braves and Acuna next week in Miami. It is possible MLB could reduce Urena's suspension during an appeal and he will be eligible to pitch until it is heard.

Miami was forced to go to the bullpen in the first inning due to the ejection, but a Thursday off-day helped the team in that area. The Marlins should be at full capacity for Friday's series opener in Washington, D.C.

Braves' first base coach Eric Young was also suspended for a game, due to his actions when the benches cleared. Young was also fined and he is not permitted to appeal the suspension. No other players or coaches on either side were penalized for Wednesday's incident.

The Marlins will take on the Nationals on Friday at 7:05 p.m.