Philadelphia Phillies reliever Hector Neris has been suspended for three games and fined an undisclosed amount for throwing near the head of David Freese of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night.
The right-hander had given up a three-run homer to Matt Beaty in the top of the ninth that gave the Dodgers an 8-6 lead before he hit Freese in the back with a fastball.
Neris was ejected, as was Phillies manager Gabe Kapler, who argued on Neris’ behalf. The Phillies rallied to win 9-8 in the bottom of the ninth on Bryce Harper’s walk-off double.
Neris denied he intended to hit Freese and will appeal the suspension from Major League Baseball. He can play until the matter is resolved.
The 30-year-old is 2-4 with a 4.08 ERA and 17 saves in 21 opportunities for the Phillies this season.