Fernando Rodney Suspended 3 Games
September 8th, 2009 | by jelletlambie |It seems the MLB office of discipline took a few days off as well. Four days after Tigers closer Fernando Rodney nailed down a tough save against the Tampa Bay Rays he was suspended today for throwing the baseball into the press box. Insert punch line here.
Rodney has stated he was “feeling the moment” following the nail biting save and “wasn’t trying to hurt anyone”. He didn’t hurt anyone. No word on which writer retrieved the ball, or on whether anyone objected to Bob Watson, the MLB guru of punishment.
Perhaps Bob just doesn’t like Tigers pitchers. It was he who also levied the absurd five game ban on Rick Porcello for defending himself against an angry Kevin Youkilis earlier this season. Per usual, MLB released no comments with the notice of suspension.
It appears Brandon Lyon will continue to sub for Rodney during the suspension, as he has the previous two games. I found it odd at the time that Manager Jim Leyland gave his closer two days off following the Friday night affair, perhaps he was hoping the respite would serve as a pre-emptive slap on the wrist that would avoid punishment. If that was the case, it didn’t work.
On the season Rodney has 32 saves and a 3.41 ERA. The Tigers have not yet announced if Rodney will appeal the ban. If he does not appeal he will begin serving the sentence tonight.
*UPDATE 3:30PM*
Per Jason Beck, Fernando Rodney will appeal his suspension.
Have a question or a comment? Leave your thoughts below or drop me a line at jelletlambie@gmail.com
Tags: Bob Watson, Brandon Lyon, Detroit Tigers, Fernando Rodney suspended
By Ron V. on Sep 8, 2009
This seems harsh, and makes bob watson look even more out of touch with disciplines levied out or not. That suspension of Porcello was ludicrous.
A Tigers spokesperson says Rodney is appealing the suspension.
By jelletlambie on Sep 9, 2009
I tend to agree the suspension was a bit much, although interestingly enough I’ve heard from quite a few fans that are split on the issue. Alas, what’s done is done, we’ll see how the appeal comes out.
Thanks for the read, and your thoughts.