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Red Sox slugger David Ortiz suspended for one game

By Alexandra Huber

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) hits the game-winning two-run home run in the tenth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Red Sox won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) hits the game-winning two-run home run in the tenth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Red Sox won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports /
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MLB issues a one-game suspension to Red Sox slugger David Ortiz for making contact with an umpire.

Whatever you do, do not call a swinging strike on David Ortiz.

Ortiz, the Boston Red Sox DH, has been issued a one-game suspension by Major League Baseball for making contact with an umpire, according to FOX Sports. The suspension resulted from Ortiz bumping into umpire John Tumpane during the fifth inning of Sunday’s game. He also received a fine for an undisclosed amount.

Major League Baseball confirmed the announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

When umpire Jerry Meals called Ortiz for a strike on a borderline check swing in the fifth inning, the DH got pretty animated. Ortiz proceeded to angrily flip his bat in the middle of the at-bat and scream at Meals, who had also called Ortiz on a swinging strike back in the third inning. Not yet finished, Ortiz also began yelling at Tumpane, during which he appeared to bump into him.

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When asked about the ruling at Fenway on Tuesday, Ortiz replied matter-of-factly, “We’ve got rules man,” he said, via the Boston Herald. “They’re gonna do what they got to do.”

Red Sox manager John Farrell discussed the issue after Monday’s game:

“The discussion was our disagreement with a couple check swings Jerry Meals called today,” Farrell said, via the Boston Herlad. “We didn’t feel like on either one he went. 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.”

MLB has has already had a busy week handing down suspensions. Braves reliever Andrew McKirahan and Royals reliever Kelvin Herrera have both received suspension this week.

Ortiz, who elected to appeal his suspension, will still be eligible for tonight’s matchup against the Rays in Tampa.

In the grand scheme of things, one game is not a big deal, especially in a season of 162 but Ortiz should check himself to make sure tempers don’t flair when the games really matter.

Fortunately for Ortiz, he’s done so much for the city of Boston that fans will give him a pass for almost anything.

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