After the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers completed a tense four-game series at Dodger Stadium, MLB suspended managers Mike Shildt and Dave Roberts, and Robert Suarez. Each of the three were also fined an undisclosed amount.
Shildt and Roberts received one-game suspensions for their respective roles in benches and bullpens clearing. Suarez was suspended three games for hitting Shohei Ohtani with a pitch the following inning. All three were ejected from the game at the time of involvement.
Shildt and Roberts both served their suspensions the following night, but Suarez appealed his punishment that was handed down by Mike Hill, MLB’s senior vice president for on-field operations.
However, Suarez is now dropping the appeal after his suspension was changed to two games, according to Dennis Lin of The Athletic:
Padres closer Robert Suarez will drop his appeal after his suspension for hitting Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was reduced to two games, league sources told The Athletic.
Suarez remained active for the Padres over the weekend and into their current series with the Washington Nationals. He only pitched on June 22 and Tuesday night during that stretch, going 1-0 and recording one save in the process.
Suarez presumably will start serving his suspension in the Padres’ finale against the Nationals and then also miss the start of their road trip on Friday.
Did Robert Suarez hit Shohei Ohtani on purpose?
Ohtani was twice hit by a pitch during the series between the Padres and Dodgers, and Roberts asserted in both instances they were intentional. In the case of Suarez, Roberts said he “absolutely” meant to hit the Dodgers’ two-way star.
“I mean, it’s 3-0, and again, this is a right-handed pitcher going across court to hit Shohei up and in,” Roberts added. “That’s a hard throw. And I don’t know how many left-hand hitters Suarez has hit with the fastball, but clearly there was intent behind it.”
Shildt and Suarez both denied intentionally throwing at Ohtani.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
