Joel Peralta Suspended Eight Games Following Pine Tar Violation


Tampa Bay reliever Joel Peralta has been suspended for eight games after pine tar was discovered in his glove during Tuesday nights game at Washington.

Peralta in the meantime has scheduled an appeal which means he can continue to play until a final decision regarding his suspension has been decided.

Peralta was ejected on during Tuesday night’s game when pine tar was found in his mint.

Speaking of his decision to appeal Peralta said:

“I just know that we’re appealing right now so I’ve got to sit tight and see.”

Peralta added:

“I’m allowed to pitch today and that’s all I care about right now.”

Rays manager Joe Maddon says the suspension does not fit the crime, noting:

“Of course it’s too much, and of course it’s unfair, but that’s the way they came down with it and it’s gonna be up to them to try and manipulate it.”

Peralta hopes he can get the suspension reduced:

“First time it’s ever happened to me. I don’t know what to think. I don’t know what to expect.”

After Tuesday’s game Maddon said Nationals manager Davey Johnson’s actions in turning in Peralta were “cowardly, bush and bogus” while Johnson added that Maddon should “read the rule book” and that he was a “weird wuss.”

Appeals regarding pine tar have been won on appeal in the past, however in those cases games were only shaved off a pitchers suspension.

Do you think eight games is excessive or does it fit the pine tar crime?

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