Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS — Kansas City relief pitcher Amir Garrett received a three-game suspension and an undisclosed fine from Major League Baseball on Monday for tossing a drink at a fan behind the Royals’ dugout during a game at Chicago two weeks ago.
Garrett appealed the punishment, allowing him to continue to pitch until that process is completed. He pitched a perfect seventh inning for the Royals in a 4-2 loss in Minnesota on Monday night.
The incident with the spectator at Guaranteed Rate Field occurred on Aug. 2 when the Royals played the White Sox. Garrett posted an apology on Twitter the following day, writing that his actions were “uncalled for.” Garrett also tweeted that players “are held to a higher standard and the chirping from fans” is part of the game.
After the game on Monday, Garrett said he was “pretty upset with myself” for the suspension. He said he reached out to the fan and sent a jersey to him and his son.
“No hard feelings there,” Garrett said. “He was very kind to me, and I was letting him know how upset I was that, in the moment, I reacted like that. It’s an opportunity for me to grow from.”
The left-hander has a 4.45 ERA in 41 appearances this season, his first with the Royals. Last year with Cincinnati, Garrett was given a seven-game suspension for his role in a benches-clearing fight between the Reds and the Chicago Cubs. He appealed and had the ban cut to five games.