Jonathan Papelbon suspended by MLB

Apr 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) during warmups prior to playing the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

September has been a good time for the Philadelphia Phillies to evaluate different players in different roles and they’ll be needing a new closer to be available for the next seven games since Jonathan Papelbon has been fined and given a seven game suspension by Major League Baseball.

After blowing a 4-1 lead in the ninth inning of Sunday’s series finale against the Miami Marlins, Papelbon received jeers aplenty from the Philadelphia faithful as he walked to the dugout.  Next, his eyes appeared fixed on the crowd as he reached at his groin area.  Second-base umpire Joe West, who would later make physical contact with Papelbon, felt the gesture was worthy of an ejection.

The whole situation, dubbed “pretty stupid” by Papelbon, was reviewed by MLB.  The result was a seven game suspension and a fine for an undisclosed amount.  The suspension went into effect immediately, starting with the Phillies’ series opener with the San Diego Padres on Monday night.

In response to the actions of their closer, the Philadelphia Phillies released a statement stating their agreement with the punishment.

“We apologize to our fans for the actions of our player yesterday,” the Phillies stated after the suspension came about.