St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina received the same one-game suspension as Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovollo, and that’s absurd.
The St. Louis Cardinals didn’t need the assistance of Yadier Molina as they played into the wee hours of Tuesday, defeating division rival Milwaukee Brewers 5-3 in extra innings — with Molina going 0-5 in the contest.
Today, Yadier Molina is serving a one-game suspension following an altercation with Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, and honestly, it was unlikely he was going to suit up today anyways — but that’s not the point. The St. Cardinals catcher appealed MLB’s decision but to no avail.
That's Yadi you're talking to, sir. #STLCards
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) April 8, 2018
This one's getting interesting. Tune in now on FSMW and FSGO: https://t.co/C6Ez7s6c3W pic.twitter.com/PPqO4IXnN9
St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny had his player’s back, weighing in on the matter — with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Derrick Goold providing the inside scoop.
"“I don’t blame him. I probably would have done the same thing. “We were hopeful that, especially with the report that we had from the umpire’s comments, that it wouldn’t carry over. But it has, and now we’ll have to deal with it.”"
The comments Matheny is referring to is that of umpire Tim Timmons ( and his crew), who served as home plate umpire during the game and saw everything first hand.
Umpires, in comments to pool reporter, seem to tamp down the idea there could be penalties ahead for Yadier Molina. Call contact "incidental." Says that Molina's anger was a "natural reaction" to what was said by Lovullo. Add that will be in their report. #DBacks #stlcards #MLB
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) April 8, 2018
Evidently, this report means nothing, with MLB dropping the ball on this matter.
Yadi confirms that Lovullo directed profanity at him. He says he’s hoping MLB takes action against the DBacks Manager. #STLCards
— Jim Hayes (@TheCatOnBallyTV) April 8, 2018
MLB did take action against Lovullo, suspending him for one (measly) game as well. You’re telling me that Molina received the same punishment as the classless manager who dropped f-bombs at a man minding his own business — with Molina defending his honor in reaction? Absurd.
Yadi deserves no sort of suspension, but if you’re going to sit him for one game, then Luvollo’s suspension needs to be much more severe. Like 4-5 games and a substantial fine severe. But, nope. MLB continues to make disappointing decisions, with in-game rule changes and the ridiculous debacle that is the Chief Wahoo matter in Cleveland.
Next: Lovullo apologizes to Molina & we're not buying it
The suspension of Yadier Molina holds no significant long-term consequences for the St. Louis Cardinals, who were planning on resting their tired catcher anyways for today’s contest. It’s the principle behind the matter, and MLB failed to serve proper justice to the cowardly remarks of Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo.
Instead, both are receiving the same punishment, and Luvullo gets away with “murder.”