Ryan Tepera Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Cubs reliever Ryan Tepera surprised by suspension: 'Baseball has become a bit soft'

By Erin Walsh | Last updated Apr 16, 2021 3:03 PM ET

Chicago Cubs reliever Ryan Tepera was suspended three games for throwing behind Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff on Tuesday.

On Friday, Tepera admitted that he was surprised by the suspension, saying baseball is not what it used to be.

Ryan Tepera says he's surprised by his suspension: "I believe over time baseball has changed & to be blunt today's baseball has become a bit soft. Back in the day matters were settled on the field.

"There was no malicious intent. It was a message that we'd had enough." #Cubs
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) April 16, 2021

Tepera is appealing the suspension but added that he was trying to let the Brewers know the Cubs were tired of getting hit by pitches after Willson Contreras was hit three times.

The 33-year-old has appeared in five games this season, posting a 3.86 ERA, 1.500 WHIP and five strikeouts. This is his second season with the Cubs.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

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