MLB suspends Phillies' Jonathan Papelbon seven games
Major League Baseball announced Monday that it has suspended Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jonathan Papelbon seven games for his actions during Sunday's game.
Papelbon was also fined. His suspension will begin tonight, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
After blowing a three-run lead in the ninth inning to the Miami Marlins on Sunday, Papelbon was booed by Phillies fans. While walking off the field, he appeared to grab his crotch in response, an action that got him ejected by home plate umpire Joe West.
The Phillies issued a statement supporting the suspension:
"The Phillies fully support the decision of the Commissioner's Office, which has exclusive jurisdiction for on-field player behavior. By Major League Baseball rules, the Phillies have no authority to make official judgments about activity which occurs on the field or to determine the appropriate penalty for misconduct. We apologize to our fans for the actions of our player yesterday."
The 33-year-old closer has a 2.10 ERA, 37 saves and 61 strikeouts this season.
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Papelbon will be eligible to return for the Phillies' Sept. 23 game in Miami.
Philadelphia is in last place in the NL East with a 69-80 record.
- Molly Geary
