Papelbon suspended seven games for gesture

Sep 16, 2014 - 1:35 AM New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon has been handed a seven-game suspension from Major League Baseball for inappropriate behavior during Sunday's contest against the Miami Marlins.

After giving up four runs in the top of the ninth inning to relinquish a 4-1 lead in an eventual 5-4 loss to the Marlins, Papelbon appeared to grab his crotch toward the home fans at Citizens Bank Park as he walked off the mound. He was promptly ejected by second base umpire Joe West for the gesture.

The Phillies issued a statement immediately following the announcement of the suspension to chastise Papelbon for his actions.

"The Phillies fully support the decision of the Commissioner's Office, which has exclusive jurisdiction for on-field player behavior," said the team. "By Major League Baseball rules, the Phillies have no authority to make official judgments about activity which occurs on the field or to determine the appropriate penalty for misconduct. We apologize to our fans for the actions of our player yesterday."

Papelbon will begin serving the ban when the Phillies open a four-game series Monday in San Diego. He will be eligible to return at Miami on Sept. 23.

The outspoken reliever was also issued an undisclosed fine for the incident.