According to a press release from Major League Baseball this afternoon, Washington Nationals’ closer Jonathan Papelbon has received a three-game suspension for throwing at Baltimore Orioles’ infielder Manny Machado in Wednesday night’s game in the nation’s capital. Home plate umpire Mark Ripperger immediately ejected Papelbon, while Machado slammed his bat in disgust and glared repeatedly into the Nationals’ dugout. This time, they lost the lead during the top of the eighth inning after catcher Matt Wieters hit a two-run home run off right-handed reliever Blake Treinen during a 5-4 setback.
Advertisement
The Washington Nationals bullpen failed to hold a late-inning lead once again and the Baltimore Orioles completed a three-game sweep beating the Nats 5-4 at Nats Park.
The Orioles are doing all they can to try to stay on the fringes of the playoff chase – they began the day four games out of the second AL wild-card spot. Why he does not hit more is a mystery to me, but we’ll be thankful for this one. Tyler Wilson got through six innings with just two runs allowed, and the O’s offense was fueled by two two-run homers in their comeback victory.
The veteran closer maintained after the game the hit-by-pitch was unintentional and that he didn’t agree with his ejection, so it makes sense he’ll dispute the decision. Papelbon didn’t deny it, and even Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was hesitant to grab his teammate’s back.
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon, left, reacts… The Nationals are now seven and a half games behind the New York Mets in first place in the NL East.
Washington could have scored more in the seventh, but Anthony Rendon was thrown out at home by second baseman Schoop on a relay from center fielder Gerardo Parra. Like I said, win as many as we can. Heck, Tillman can throw 42 pitches in one inning! “If Manny thinks I hit him, then that’s what he thinks”. Orioles CF Adam Jones has been bothered by back spasms and had an MRI in Baltimore on Thursday and was expected to arrive by game time, according to manager Buck Showalter. “Every game we go out there and play”.
MLB’s Public Relations team issued a brief statement on Papelbon’s suspension, which he has subsequently appealed, making him available to pitch Friday for Washington. In 29 total innings this year, he has given up 32 hits, but just one homer.
Advertisement
“Given the rainout, we can look at some things (with the rotation)”, said Williams, declining to be very specific.
