Why was papelbon suspended

Phillies go further, actually put out statement in favor of MLB, show disenchantment publicly with Papelbon. With his contract guaranteed for and a vesting option for , perhaps the Phillies may explore trade options for their All-Star reliever. This episode from Papelbon and the apparent friction between him and the organization could see him in another uniform to start next season. There is no denying Papelbon's talent and steady success on the mound.

In all but one of his seasons as a pro he's had his ERA under 3. It will be interesting to see how Papelbon's gesture impacts his value on the trade block. If he doesn't get a strong endorsement—public or private—from Philadelphia, it will be hard for the Phillies to sell him no matter how good he is. At age 33, Papelbon should still have a few quality years left in him before he declines. A team on the precipice of contention could always use someone like him to slam the door in decisive games.

Enjoy our content? It's definitely something that, as the Nationals, we don't pride ourselves on that. We're a family in here. Williams said he had been planning on giving Harper a day off this week following the team's elimination. For his part, Harper, a franchise cornerstone, said he'd have no problem continuing to be teammates with Papelbon. That's what this whole clubhouse needs," Harper said. He's under contract," Rizzo said about Papelbon. News of the Nationals' dugout blowout resonated in the sports world, with members of the neighboring Washington Redskins weighing in on the situation on Monday.

But those things happen, especially in baseball, especially when you're around the guys six months, although Papelbon was acquired [in July]. Those things happen; hopefully there's no lingering effects. Information from ESPN. Skip to main content Skip to navigation. Nats suspend Papelbon 4 games for Harper fight.

Washington Nationals. Gausman or Ray? Kershaw or Verlander? Breaking down MLB offseason pitching landscape. CNN What happens you challenge one of baseball's brightest stars first with a tongue lashing, then with a short-lived attack in the dugout? Bryce Harper is grabbed by Jonathan Papelbon in the dugout after flying out during Sunday's game. Story highlights Bryce Harper is an MVP candidate with the Washington Nationals; Jonathan Papelbon joined the team in July Papelbon challenged Harper, then lunged at him -- putting his hand around his throat -- during a game The Nationals had Harper sit out a game and gave Papelbon a suspension that ends his season.

Your season ends. That's the case, at least, for pitcher Jonathan Papelbon. The Washington Nationals announced Tuesday that their closer has accepted a three-game Major League Baseball punishment for throwing at the head of Baltimore's Manny Machado and will also sit out four games without pay, as ordered by the team, for his run-in with teammate Bryce Harper. That adds up to a seven-game suspension -- or one more than Washington has left in its disappointing season.