Yankees' Josh Donaldson suspended one game for 'disrespectful' comment
New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson has received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for a comment he directed at Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson, MLB announced Monday.
"MLB has completed the process of speaking to the individuals involved in this incident," MLB senior vice president for on-field operations Michael Hill said in a statement. "There is no dispute over what was said on the field. Regardless of Mr. Donaldson's intent, the comment he directed toward Mr. Anderson was disrespectful and in poor judgement, particularly when viewed in the context of their prior interactions. In addition, Mr. Donaldson's remark was a contributing factor in a bench-clearing incident between the teams, and warrants discipline."
On Saturday, Donaldson called Anderson "Jackie" during an on-field confrontation. Donaldson explained after the game that it was in reference to an interview Anderson did with Sports Illustrated in 2019 in which the shortstop referred to himself as "today's Jackie Robinson."
A week earlier, Donaldson and Anderson had a heated exchange after a play at third base.
In the fifth inning Saturday, Donaldson was confronted at home plate by White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal which led to both benches clearing.
Donaldson is appealing the decision, according to MLB, so he's eligible to play for the Yankees until there's a final ruling.
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