Contreras appeals 2- game suspension
Major League Baseball suspended Cubs catcher Willson Contreras for two games Saturday for the conduct that led to his ejection in the game Friday against the Cardinals.
Contreras and Cubs starter John Lackey, who also was ejected, were fined an undisclosed amount, as well.
Contreras, who’s appealing the suspension, started Saturday, batting cleanup and playing catcher.
Plate umpire Jordan Baker ejected both players in the fifth inning. Lackey thought he struck out Carlos Martinez, but the pitch was called a ball. Lackey argued and was ejected after Martinez singled to drive in a run. Contreras threw his mask down in anger, and it bounced off Baker’s leg.
Manager Joe Maddon said Contreras needs to check some of his emotions in the heat of the moment.
“He’s emotional,” Maddon said. “We’re all working on attempting to help him curb that a bit. But you don’t want to take it all away, either. That’s a big part of why he’s so good.”
Contreras shook hands with Baker before the game Saturday.
“You’re a catcher,” Maddon said. “You’re working in front of these guys all the time. I really believe you’ll see a nice progression with him. He’s still going to get upset at times. But not zero to 60 like that.”
Contreras has been one of the best offensive players on the Cubs, so his bat will be missed at some point during the final stretch of the season.
As for Lackey, Maddon said he’d never try to make him curb his emotions.
“It’s impossible,” Maddon said to laughs. “I’m being honest. Willson’s in his early 20s; Johnny’s almost 40. He’s a dad with kids. I would never tell him what to do.”
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