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The Washington Nationals have suspended Jonathan Papelbon for the rest of the season without pay after his attack on Bryce Harper during Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Nationals closer is first being suspended three games for throwing at Manny Machado before the Phillies series. Papelbon is also being suspended three games by the Nats for his altercation with Harper on Sunday, which means he won’t pitch in a game for the rest of this season.
Papelbon: "First of all, let me say I’m in the wrong there. I’ve got to leave that up to our manager."
— Todd Dybas (@Todd_Dybas) September 27, 2015
The 34-year-old was traded to help booster the Washington bullpen but it didn’t quite work out that way. Drew Storen was having a great year until the trade. Storen was moved to the setup role, which he did not succeed in. Meanwhile, Papelbon only converted seven saves with the Nats. He actually went back on the field in the ninth after the altercation with Harper and pitching in the eighth. He allowed five runs as the Phillies won the game.
#Nats have suspended Papelbon 4 games in addition to MLB's previous 3-game suspension. So he won't return this season.
— Mark Zuckerman (@ZuckermanCSN) September 28, 2015
Papelbon is due to make $11 million next season before becoming a free agent.
