Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp has suspended one game for his incident with Texas Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos on Wednesday night. Chirinos was also suspended one game, and both players will appeal so they are eligible to play on Friday night.
Both players were ejected from the game on Wednesday night after Kemp barreled over Chirinos attempting to score from second base on a single to right field by Kiké Hernandez.
After Kemp ran over Chirinos, both players got up and exchanged a few words and shoves, prompting the benches to clear. No punches were thrown by either player though.
It was originally thought that because no punches were thrown and they already missed basically a full game after being ejected that both Kemp and Chirinos would avoid suspensions. Major League Baseball felt otherwise though it appears, so unless the appeals are rewarded, they will miss a game apiece.
The Dodgers have a big three-game series beginning Friday night at Dodger Stadium against the San Francisco Giants. Both teams are currently in contention in the crowded National League West, so it will be crucial that Kemp is available for all three games, especially with left-handers on the mound in the first two for San Francisco.
Kemp has been the Dodgers best hitter so far this season, slashing .335/.367/.555 with 10 home runs and 41 RBI, looking like he is on his way to his first All-Star Game since 2012.
MLB appeals usually don’t take that long, and Kemp has the option to drop it and serve the suspension at any time if he chooses to do so.
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