Matt Kemp says he will appeal his one-game suspension.
Kemp and Texas Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos were suspended a game apiece for their role in a brawl during Wednesday’s game between their teams.
Kemp was trying to score on a single to right field when he bulldozed Chirinos at the plate. Chirinos had a right to be in front of the plate because he was in possession of the ball. Kemp should not have tried to run him over, much less shove the Rangers catcher afterwards.
Still, Kemp says he found the suspension “shocking” and will appeal.
Matt Kemp said he found it “shocking” he was suspended. He is appealing.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) June 15, 2018
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also said they do not agree with the suspension.
Dave Roberts said of Kemp’s suspension: “We don’t agree … there wasn’t a punch thrown … no harm, no foul.”
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) June 15, 2018
Kemp has been a huge surprise for the Dodgers this season. They were expecting to get rid of him after acquiring him from Atlanta, but they hung onto him and he’s turning back the clock to his All-Star days with the team. He leads the Dodgers in batting average (.335), doubles (16), and RBIs (41).
