Jonathan Papelbon’s season is over. The Washington Nationals have suspended their relief pitcher for four games for his part in the altercation that occurred in the dugout with his teammate and N.L. M.V.P. candidate, Bryce Harper, during their 12-5 loss to the Philidelphia Phillies.
Jonathan Papelbon was appealing his three game suspension that MLB had imposed on him for intentionally throwing at Baltimore Orioles third-baseman Manny Machado, but as of today, Papelbon has officially dropped his appeal.
“The behavior exhibited by Papelbon yesterday is not acceptable,” Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo said in a press release. “That is not at all in line with the way our players are expected to conduct themselves, and the Nationals organization will not tolerate it in any way.”
The Washington Nationals manager, Matt Williams, told reporters that Jonathan Papelbon is unlikely to join the team on its final road trip of the season and that Papelbon’s status for next season will be addressed at a later date.
“It’s important for us to come together and not have this define us as a team,” Williams said.
The Washington Nationals have decided that the National League’s front runner for the M.V.P. will not be suspended for his part in the altercation, but he will be kept out of Monday’s lineup against the Cincinnati Reds.
Since the Washington Nationals acquired the 34-year old Papelbon from the Philadelphia Phillies, he owns a 3.04 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP, with seven saves in nine opportunities.
With the three game suspension from MLB and the four game suspension from the Washington Nationals, Jonathan Papelbon’s season is effectively over.
Main Photo
