Donaldson apologizes to Jackie Robinson’s family
Josh Donaldson has apologized to the wife and family of Jackie Robinson for referencing the pioneering Black baseball player in remarks that led to a confrontation with Chicago White Sox star Tim Anderson. The New York Yankees third baseman was suspended for one game and fined Monday by Major League Baseball. Donaldson has appealed the suspension. The league said Donaldson’s comment on Saturday was “disrespectful and in poor judgment.” Donaldson previously apologized to Anderson and says in a statement that he apologies for “any distress this incident may have caused.”
“First and foremost, I have the utmost respect for what Tim Anderson brings to the game of baseball,” Donaldson said in a statement Thursday issued through his agency, MVP Sports. “I stated over the weekend that I apologized for offending Tim and that it was a misunderstanding based on multiple exchanges between us over the years. My view of that exchange hasn’t changed and I absolutely meant no disrespect. In the past, it had never been an issue and now that it is, we have a mutual understanding.
“I would also like to apologize to Mrs. Rachel Robinson and the Jackie Robinson family for any distress this incident may have caused. Jackie was a true American hero and I hold his name in the highest regard.”
THURSDAY’S GAMES NATIONAL LEAGUE
Reds 20, Cubs 5: Kyle Farmer homered twice, had four hits and tied his career high with five RBI as the host Reds routed the Cubs.
Nationals 7, Rockies 3: Patrick Corbin ended a 10-start winless streak, allowing three runs over 7 1⁄3 innings to lead host Washington over Colorado.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Yankees 7, Rays 2: Nelson Cortes took a three-hit shutout into the ninth inning, Matt Carpenter sparked a goahead, three-run rally in his Yankees debut and
New York beat host Tampa Bay in the first meeting of the AL East rivals this season.
ELSEWHERE
League office: Major League Baseball and the players’ association are allowing teams to have an additional pitcher through June 19.