Cardinals’ Willson Contreras Still Playing as Suspension Appeal Drags On
Veteran first baseman Willson Contreras is still in the lineup despite being handed a six-game suspension and fine by MLB for an on-field outburst. The punishment followed an incident against the Pirates in which he tossed his bat—accidentally hitting his hitting coach—and threw gum onto the field. Contreras has apologized for the accidental contact with his coach but denied making disrespectful remarks toward the umpire.
Contreras quickly filed an appeal, which put the suspension on hold. Because of this, he has continued to play, including in the immediate games after the ruling.
Manager Oliver Marmol said the Cardinals expected an update on the appeal by “Wednesday morning,” but a week later no hearing has taken place. The delay has allowed Contreras to remain active, even as the team and fans wait for clarity.
MLB has not explained the holdup, but several factors may be contributing. Appeals usually require coordination between league officials, the team, and player representatives, which can take time. With September roster moves approaching, the Cardinals might also benefit from the timing. Additionally, it’s not unusual for players to stay active during the appeals process to avoid disrupting team performance late in the season.
Summary Snapshot:
- Suspension Details: Six-game suspension for on-field tirade; appeal filed.
- Appeal Hearing: Still unscheduled a week after the incident.
- Contreras’ Status: Remains active and playing while appeal is pending.
- Possible Delay Factors: Scheduling issues, roster strategy, and typical appeals procedures.
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