If you thought Jonathan Papelbon’s drama with the Washington Nationals ended when the regular season commenced, you were wrong.
According to a report from WEEI’s Rob Bradford, Papelbon filed a grievance with the Nats over them withholding his pay during his four-game suspension.
The Nationals suspended Papelbon four games for his fight with teammate Bryce Harper in the dugout in late September (video here). Papelbon went after Harper during the fight and even put his hand on the MVP’s throat.
Manager Matt Williams was so oblivious to what happened that he actually let Papelbon continue pitching in the game. It wasn’t until afterwards that the Nats realized Papelbon’s actions necessitated some serious discipline.
Papelbon made $13 million last season, though most of that amount was paid by his previous team, the Phillies, who traded the closer to the Nats in July. Papelbon is owed $13 million next season as well.
