Papelbon Fined $5,000 by MLB for Slow Pace

In an attempt to speed up games, Major League Baseball made an example out of Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon by fining the right-hander $5,000.

The fine came after Papelbon took too long to deliver his first pitch on Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Rays. It was at least the fifth time he has been cited for failing to follow baseball's new speed limits for pitchers. Papelbon claims he has been fined more than $10,000 for such infractions.

"After this, I don't know, man," Papelbon told the Boston Herald. "I think they're going to call my parole officer and put me away."

Two rule changes were instated this season to speed up play. The pitcher must throw the first pitch of a half-inning no more than 2 minutes, 20 seconds from the final out of the previous half inning. And pitchers have 12 seconds to throw once a batter settles into the box.