Blue Jays rookie Stroman suspended 6 games for pitch at Joseph’s head, appeals penalty

BALTIMORE – Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman is appealing his six-game suspension that Major League Baseball imposed for throwing at the head of a Baltimore hitter.

MLB penalized Stroman on Wednesday and also fined the 23-year-old rookie an undisclosed amount.

The suspension had been set to start on Wednesday night when the Blue Jays played at Baltimore. Because Stroman is appealing, no penalty will take effect until there is a resolution.

“It’s tough,” Stroman said before Wednesday’s game. “It’s in the appeal process now. I would never intentionally throw at anyone. I respect the game. I respect the players too much to ever do anything like that. Family, friends, teammates know the type of individual I am.”

Asked if was surprised about the punishment, he replied, “I’m not surprised, just being the game that it was. We’ll see how it plays out.”

On Monday night, Stroman threw a pitch that sailed past the head of Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph. Stroman stayed in the game, struck out Joseph to end the inning and engaged the Baltimore dugout as he left the mound.

Stroman’s pitch came a half-inning after Joseph blocked the plate as Jose Reyes slid home.