MLB announced that Hansel Robles has been suspended for three games for “intentionally” throwing a pitch at the head of Cameron Rupp in Wednesday night’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Don’t know how they determined it was intentional, but Robles is becoming a high maintenance player.
Funny thing is that I thought Logan Verrett would be suspended not Robles. But Verrett doesn’t have the mounting reputation I guess.
September 30
During tonight’s Mets broadcast, SNY’s Gary Cohen and Ron Darling both argued that Travis d’Arnaud called for a slider and that’s exactly what Hansel Robles threw at Cameron Rupp, taking issue with all the reports that stated it was a fastball.
However after the game, both d’Arnaud and Robles told reporters that it was a fastball. D’Arnaud said he called for the fastball and it just got away from Robles because he tried to quick-pitch Rupp.
When asked if he intends to change anything about his approach and growing negative reputation, Robles responded: “There’s nothing wrong with my quick pitch. It only creates a bit of an issue with this team. I’m going to continue to do it.”
Terry Collins grimaced when asked about the play saying, “You can’t miss that bad. Not around the head.”
* * * * * * * *
It’s getting ugly at Citizens Bank Park. Mets reliever Hansel Robles was ejected from tonight’s game against the Phillies after a 2-2 fastball came dangerously close to hitting catcher Cameron Rupp in the head. It missed him by less than an inch.
Terry Collins was also ejected as both benches had already been warned after Mets starter Logan Verrett drilled Odubel Herrera in the back in the previous inning.
All of this came after Yoenis Cespedes leaned in and was hit in the hand by Phillies reliever Justin De Fratus in the third inning. Cespedes suffered a contusion on two of his fingers.
Rupp went ballistic after he got up to his feet and let out a volley of profanities as Mets catcher Travis d’Arnaud tried to hold him back from charging the mound.
After benches erupted, Cespedes came in from the clubhouse and tried to rush the field, but was restrained by assistant hitting coach Pat Roessler who grabbed his shirt and held him back.
During the last visit to Citizens Bank Park, benches cleared after Robles quick-pitched Darin Ruf while his head was turned away and down.
Jeff Francoeur began hurling f-bombs towards Robles as Larry Bowa charged out of the dugout to give home plate umpire Dan Bellino an ear-full and he was subsequently ejected.
“Let the fucking guy step in the box. That’s all I ask. That’s my whole thing. Ruffy had one foot in the box. That’s chicken shit.”
After that game, d’Arnaud told reporters that he was trying to tell Robles to wait because Ruf’s head was down and he thought it was potentially dangerous.
“I just know the guy’s head was down,” d’Arnaud said. “I think the rule is you can’t throw it until at least they’re looking at him. So I was telling him to wait. He threw it.”
Robles has now been involved in five incidents in the last five weeks all stemming from his quick-pitch and now presumed head-hunting.
The Mets and Phillies will complete their series on Thursday at 12:05 PM and with the Phils having nothing to lose, I’m not sure the Mets want to get into a throwing war with them 8 days before the NLDS.
