The St. Louis Cardinals‘ playoff chances took a major hit when, on Tuesday, August 26th, Major League Baseball announced the six-game suspension of Cardinals first baseman and their most productive hitter, Willson Contreras.
A day earlier, (Monday, August 25), during the Cardinals’ 7-6 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates, an ugly incident occurred in the seventh inning when, with St. Louis nursing a 6-5 lead, Contreras was called out on strikes and seemed to be walking away and not protesting when suddenly home plate umpire Derek Thomas threw him out.
That’s when Contreras lost his temper and had to be held back by coaches from going after Thomas. Contreras was so irate that he even slammed his helmet and at one point threw his bat towards first base umpire Stu Scheurwater, only to see it accidentally hit his own hitting coach, Brant Brown, in the upper body.
The frustration grew as several coaches were needed to restrain a furious Contreras. Once in the dugout, this veteran slugger wasn’t done as he proceeded to throw a box of bubble gum onto the field.
“I don’t think he had any reason to throw me out,” Contreras said. “I didn’t argue any pitch in any at-bat. The only thing I said was, “Call the pitches for both sides, because you’re missing for us.”
He went on to add, “I turned around, he threw me out, he had no reason for it. Apparently, he heard something that I said, but I didn’t say that.”
Cardinals Willson Contreras Facing 6 Game Suspension
Contreras Will Appeal the Suspension
Not surprisingly, Contreras has decided afterwards to appeal his suspension, which means he can still play until Major League Baseball hears the appeal and comes down with a ruling.
Upon reflecting on what happened, the 33-year-old stressed that yes, he did question some balls and strikes from the umpire, but never went over the line in his arguing to get thrown out.
On the other hand, Crew chief Jordan Baker had a different point of view as to why not only Contreras but also his manager, Oliver Marmol, were thrown out.
Baker said they were tossed for “Saying vulgar stuff,” along with making contact with the home plate umpire, which is something Contreras strongly denies.
After this incident, Contreras was remorseful that the bat he tossed hit the batting coach and apologized.
“I apologized to (Brown) Contreras said. “I wasn’t looking back, I just threw the bat back.”
If the appeal is heard, and Contreras faces immediate suspension, that could crush the Cardinals’ chances at a playoff spot as they currently sit 5.5 games out of a wildcard spot with three games coming up in Cincinnati against the Reds, who are just ahead of them in the standings.
Contreras in the Middle of Strong Season for Cardinals
This season, Contreras has led the Cardinals with 19 home runs and 73 RBI. Father Time certainly hasn’t slowed him down, as he has produced 115 hits, 64 runs, 30 doubles, and four stolen bases.
Contreras is also a leader in the clubhouse. That big bat, along with the on-field and clubhouse presence, will be missing when in a make-or-break series, the Cardinals play the Reds, who are three games ahead of them in the wildcard standings. The loss due to suspension will more than likely be too much for the Cardinals to handle.
First Time in Trouble for Contreras
This is the first time Contreras has been disciplined for something in his major league career.
Contreras, who is in his 10th major league season, began his career with the Chicago Cubs, where he played for seven seasons before agreeing on December 9, 2022, to a five-year $87.5 million contract with the Cardinals.
His younger brother is Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras, who this season has 15 home runs, 65 RBI’s, six stolen bases, and a .260 batting average.
Cardinal fans and management alike are just hoping that following the appeal is his suspension, Contreras will still get to play in that make it or break it series against the Reds.
Main Image: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
