LOS ANGELES — History will be no friend of Rockies’ catcher Yorvit Torrealba in his quest to avoid a suspension for Tuesday’s fight with Dodgers’ outfielder Matt Kemp.
Only once in major league baseball discipline czar Bob Watson’s tenure has a player not been suspended for a fight – Angels’ pitcher John Lackey, who was charged by Oakland catcher Jason Kendall. Lackey was ultimately fined. Watson was reviewing Tuesday’s incident when he spoke with The Denver Post this morning.
“It’s on my screen literally. I will be looking at it and make a decision soon,” Watson said.
Watson indicated that different levels of punishment could be meted out based on culpability. Kemp, in a surprisingly candid confession after the game, admitted that his actions “were stupid” and that he was prepared to be disciplined. The two tangled in the eighth inning after a dropped third strike. Torrealba ultimately tagged Kemp, who took umbrage and pushed the catcher. Torrealba shoved him in the throat, and then the two squared off with Torrealba taking Kemp down to the ground.
“I will look at it closely and if the another person is more of a instigator that will be taken into consideration,” Watson said.
If Torrealba is suspended over the next few days, he can appeal. But those are heard almost immediately under the new system, meaning the Rockies must be prepared to call up a catcher for a replacement – Colorado Springs/ Edwin Bellorin would be the obvious choice.
The Rockies will attempt to win their first series on this road trip when the face the Dodgers today at 1:10 p.m. Aaron Cook starts for the Rockies, who are 8-4 in his assignments. The Dodgers will counter with 20-year-old left-hander Clayton Kershaw.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
