Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Aroldis Chapman was suspended two games Thursday for a heated interaction with an umpire after being ejected Monday.
With the Pirates off Thursday, the suspension will also apply to the Pirates’ games against the Boston Red Sox on Friday and Saturday unless Chapman decides to appeal.
Chapman was thrown out of Monday’s game against the New York Mets after allowing a game-losing double to Harrison Bader in the bottom of the eighth inning. The left-hander threw a few words at home plate umpire Edwin Moscoso after the hit, which led to his ejection.
MLB released the following statement three days later, describing Chapman’s behavior as “inappropriate actions”:
“Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Aroldis Chapman has been handed a two-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for his inappropriate actions in the bottom of the eighth inning of Monday night’s game against the New York Mets at Citi Field,” said Michael Hill, senior vice president of the MLB. field operations, a statement said.
Unless he appeals, Chapman’s suspension will take effect Friday, when the Pirates host the Boston Red Sox at PNC Park. If Chapman chooses to appeal, the discipline will be suspended until that process is completed. .”
The 36-year-old Chapman is in his first season with the Pirates after signing a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the team in free agency. It’s his fourth team in the past three seasons, including a half-season stint with the Texas Rangers during which he won his second World Series ring.
So far this season, Chapman has posted a 4.76 ERA in nine appearances, working as a back-end reliever behind closer David Bednar.
