By: Matt Rappa, managing editor
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Nearly five months after throwing "near the head" of Philadelphia Phillies' catcher Cameron Rupp during the sixth inning of a late-September contest last season, New York Mets right-hander Hansel Robles has finally agreed to serve a two-game suspension beginning Sunday, April 3, according to the New York Daily News.
Robles, 25, was initially given a three-game suspension, however he appealed the ruling in early October to make him eligible to participate in postseason play.
Adam Rubin of ESPN.com wrote the following at the time of the appeal process in October:
Manager Terry Collins applauded Robles' decision to appeal.
Collins said plate umpire Bob Davidson was justified in ejecting Robles on Wednesday because the pitch was close to Rupp's head after warnings had been issued. But the manager suggested there was no intent behind Robles' pitch, since Logan Verrett had plunked Odubel Herrera an inning earlier in response to Yoenis Cespedes and Kirk Nieuwenhuis getting hit by pitches. Collins also objected to MLB suspending Robles without first speaking to the pitcher.