NEW YORK (AP) — Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman was suspended for three games Wednesday, a day after he threw a fastball near the head of pinch-hitter Michael Brosseau while closing out his first save of the season in a 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Chapman said the pitch was not intentional and he is appealing the suspension.
“I think it was a little harsh,” Chapman said through a translator. “That’s the reason I’m going to appeal.”
Chapman, who previously was disciplined in his career for intentionally throwing at the head area, also was fined by Major League Baseball.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone received a one-game suspension and was also fined an undisclosed amount following the events during Tuesday night’s game.
“I don’t think I should be sitting out tonight, nor Chappy, but I do respect the process and the thoroughness and the care that they gave to kind of walk it through this,” Boone said. “I accept it but I certainly don’t agree with it.”
Rays manager Kevin Cash received a one-game suspension and was fined an undisclosed amount after being ejected during the game and for his comments afterward. Umpires convened before issuing warnings to both benches, and Cash was ejected after coming onto the field to argue.
Cash said following the game that someone has to be accountable, adding, "And the last thing I’ll say on this is I got a whole damn stable full of guys that throw 98 mph. Period.”
“It’s fair, warranted,” Cash said of the suspension.
Boone and Cash were scheduled to serve their suspensions Wednesday as the Rays and Yankees wrapped up a three-game series in New York. Chapman was also scheduled to begin serving his suspension Wednesday.
Tensions have run high between the clubs for years, at least since now-retired Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia was ejected for plunking Jesus Sucre in 2018.
“We all want this behind us, let’s just get back to playing,” Cash said.
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