Blue Jays rookie pitcher Marcus Stroman has been suspended six games and fined an undisclosed amount for intentionally throwing at Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph on Monday night. If you missed the game, Joseph stepped on Jose Reyes' hand earlier in the game which angered Reyes and led to the two players exchanging words. Later in the game Stroman took it upon himself to retaliate by throwing at Joseph's head, which upset Orioles manager Buck Showalter and caused the benches to be warned. After the inning Stroman also glared into the Orioles dugout and exchanged words with various Baltimore players and Showalter.
Here's video of the incident:
There was talk initially that there would be no suspensions handed out, but obviously that didn't end up being the case. It brings up the question of what will happen to Darren O'Day after he hit Jose Bautista in last night's game in retaliation of Stroman's retaliation. Considering O'Day actually completed the job, he should get suspended at least the same number of games, but probably won't.
Marcus Stroman suspended 6 games for throwing at Caleb Joseph, per MLB release. He was also fined undisclosed amount. #bluejays
Stroman is appealing the suspension, which was supposed to begin tonight but will be delayed until appeal is heard. #bluejays
By appealing the suspension Stroman can make his next scheduled start on Saturday against the Yankees (assuming the process drags on that long) before dropping the appeal and serving his six games. If a spot starter is needed, the Blue Jays have a long list of guys who could fill the role including Daniel Norris, Aaron Sanchez, Sean Nolin, Kendall Graveman, Brandon Morrow, and Todd Redmond.