Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz has been suspended one game for bumping an umpire during Sunday’s 8-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles.
Baseball writer Danny Knobler passed along the information Tuesday from Major League Baseball:
Ortiz, 39, was tossed in the fifth inning on Sunday after third base umpire Jerry Meals called a strike on a check swing. The Red Sox slugger engaged in a staredown with Meals before approaching and bumping home plate umpire John Tumpane to argue the call. It was one of two close calls in the game that went against Ortiz.
“We didn’t feel like on either one he went,” manager John Farrell said, per Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald. “On the first at-bat it doesn’t really have an outcome because he ends up walking. Those are quick rings on the check swing and it didn’t feel like he swung on either one.”
Orioles broadcaster Jim Palmer weighed in on Ortiz’s actions leading up to the ejection:
Ortiz’s emotions have understandably been on edge, as he’s gotten off to a slow start this season. He’s hitting .220/.340/.390 with two home runs and four RBI through 12 games, compiling just three extra-base hits. The Red Sox have been able to stay afloat despite Ortiz’s struggles—they’re an AL East-best 8-5 heading into Tuesday—but it’s nonetheless easy to pinpoint the source of his frustration.
Ortiz plans to appeal the ban, according to Mastrodonato, so he’ll be eligible for Tuesday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. If Ortiz winds up losing the appeal and eventually has to sit out a contest, Allen Craig would most likely start in his place.
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