Jonathan Papelbon’s season is over.
The Washington Nationals announced Monday they’ve suspended the right-handed pitcher four games for his actions in a dugout altercation with Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper during Sunday’s game. Additionally, Papelbon agreed to drop the appeal of his three-game suspension from Major League Baseball for throwing at Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado last week.
“The behavior exhibited by Papelbon (on Sunday) is not acceptable,” Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said in a statement. “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.”
Papelbon admitted following Sunday’s game that he was “wrong” for his words and actions sparking the fight. The pitcher appeared to take issue with Harper’s hustle on a pop-out during Sunday’s game. The two players exchanged words when Harper got back to the dugout before Papelbon went after him.
The two eventually were separated. Papelbon actually remained in the game and pitched the next half-inning. He gave up a go-ahead two-run homer and eventually was pulled by Nationals manager Matt Williams before the inning ended. Papelbon promptly was booed.
