Kevin Pillar said something bad to Jason Motte Wednesday night:

Major League Baseball is investigating Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Pillar regarding his comments made toward an Atlanta Braves pitcher during Wednesday’s game, a source confirmed to ESPN’s Buster Olney.

Pillar struck out swinging to end the seventh inning and claimed he was quick-pitched by Jason Motte, yelling toward the mound before Braves catcher Kurt Suzuki stepped in to calm things as the benches cleared.

The Blue Jays outfielder apologized for his reaction after the game but did not indicate what he said on the field.

On the surface there doesn’t appear to be a racial difference between Motte and Pillar. No one ever seems to get in trouble for using obscenities, so maybe it was some sexual orientation slur?

Update: The Globe and Mail doesn’t mince words over the incident:

In any game where a team finds itself down six runs before an out is recorded, there is bound to be some surliness. Wednesday’s incident was something more than that – and from an unexpected source.

The only Jays player who has markedly improved his reputation over the first few weeks is centre fielder Kevin Pillar. He’s everyone’s new favourite. Or may have been.

In the seventh, Pillar was quick-pitched by Atlanta’s Jason Motte. Caught off-guard, Pillar swung feebly at a ball well outside the zone, then yelled something at Motte. Motte took umbrage. The benches cleared, though no one seemed to understand why.

A close look at the replay appears to suggest Pillar shouted a homophobic slur at Motte. Only a qualified lip reader can say for sure.

There’s much more, including the idea that this team may become disliked at home due to their antics.

Update: ESPN calls for MLB to suspend Pillar. I wonder, should they also suspend Motte for being offended by the insinuation? There’s nothing wrong with being gay, so you really shouldn’t be offended by the suggestion that you’re gay.

Also, Freddie Freeman is lost for eight weeks with a fractured wrist. In the long run, that will be the big news from that game.