Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was one of the best players in the American League last season, leading the league in doubles along a near MVP-caliber season. However, at only 21-years-old, it appears he still has a lot to learn.
Major League Baseball announced Tuesday Machado will be suspended five games for his actions last weekend against the Oakland Athletics.
The suspension results from an incident in which Machado purposely swung his bat on an inside pitch by A’s reliever Fernando Abad. Although Machado denies the helicopter release of his bat was purposeful, watching the replay clearly shows Machado swinging incredibly late on an awful pitch following a toss by Abad that seemed intentional.
This wasn’t the only time Machado swung his stick in all the wrong places. The third baseman also struck A’s catcher Derek Norris twice on backswings earlier in the game while showing no remorse. Machado also caused the benches to clear between the two teams two days earlier after he was tagged — what Machado considered too hard — out by A’s third baseman Josh Donaldson.
Through all the antics, Major League Baseball’s official release stated that Machado was suspended “for intentionally throwing his bat on the field.”
Machado and Abad have also been fined an undisclosed amount.
Orioles GM Dan Duquette stated recently a demotion to the Minors for Machado is possible. Machado plans to appeal the suspension.
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Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
Photo Credit: Getty
