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Tampa Bay Rays right-handed reliever Joel Peralta has been suspended eight games by Major League Baseball, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Peralta was ejected from Tuesday night’s game against the Washington Nationals after it was brought to the umpiring crew’s attention that the 36-year-old had pine tar on his glove.
#Rays Peralta gets 8-game suspension and will appeal so he stays active until appeal is heard
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 21, 2012
Peralta has said he will appeal MLB’s decision, meaning he can remain an active player on the Rays roster until his appeal is heard. Because of the appeal, there is also a chance Peralta will have his ban reduced below the current eight games.
The incident sparked controversy between the Nationals and Rays as it was Washington’s manager, Davey Johnson, that tipped off the umpires to Peralta’s glove. Tampa Bay’s skipper, Joe Maddon, and Johnson exchanged words via the media before the suspension became official.
On the season, Peralta has appeared in 37 games for the Rays. Over this span of 30 innings, the right-hander has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 4.20 and 1.033 with 10.8 SO/9 and 2.4 BB/9.