As expected, CC Sabathia has been suspended as a result of his “that’s for you, bitch” actions the other day against the Rays. MLB announced this afternoon that Sabathia has been suspended five games, effective at the start of next season. He is appealing the suspension. Rays reliever Andrew Kittredge received a three-game ban as well.
Thursday afternoon Sabathia grazed Jake Bauers with a fastball and Kittredge responded by throwing behind Austin Romine’s head in the next half-inning. Sabathia then hit Jesus Sucre in the leg in retaliation. Warnings had been issued so he was immediately ejected. Here’s the video:
A suspension was inevitable. Sabathia all but admitted he hit Sucre intentionally after Thursday’s game. Because he’ll be a free agent after the season, it is entirely possible Sabathia will serve the suspension with another team. I can’t see that though. The most likely outcome is a new one-year contract with the Yankees. Early season off-days mean Sabathia could serve the full five-game suspension and not miss a start at the outset of next season.
It’s long been MLB precedent that regular season transgressions result in regular season suspensions, at least for on-field matters. Throwing at hitters doesn’t result in postseason suspensions unless it happens in the postseason. There’s no special treatment here or anything. Standard procedure.