A few days ago, Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Rodolfo Castro had a cell phone in his back pocket, which fell to the ground after a play at third base.
According to ESPN reporter Jeff Passan, Castro was suspended for one game and fined for violating MLB’s policy.
The player, however, will appeal the league’s decision.
“Rodolfo Castro is appealing his one-game suspension. Some executives wondered whether it warranted a longer suspension — cell phones being potentially excellent vehicles to cheat, this MLB’s chance to say: don’t. MLB clearly believed Castro’s explanation that it was an accident,” Passan tweeted.
Rodolfo Castro is appealing his one-game suspension. Some executives wondered whether it warranted a longer suspension — cell phones being potentially excellent vehicles to cheat, this MLB’s chance to say: don’t. MLB clearly believed Castro’s explanation that it was an accident.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 16, 2022
If we get creative, cell phones can indeed be used to cheat one way or another.
However, there isn’t enough evidence to support the claim that he did that, and that’s why he is appealing the suspension and the fine: he believes he did nothing wrong.
One Of The Funniest Scenes Of The 2022 Season
It was an odd scene to see on the basepaths, and a bit funny, too.
But it’s unlikely that it’s tied to any form of cheating.
Castro, who made his MLB debut in 2021, can play second base and shortstop.
He has been an average MLB hitter in 2022, slashing .239/.300/.402 with two homers and two stolen bases.
He also has eight runs and five RBI.
He is not seen as a future star, but at 23, he remains young and good enough to carve a career as a utility infielder.
His was definitely one of the most curious suspensions in MLB history.
We can’t think of any other players being fined or punished for taking a cell phone to the field with him.
It’s one of those plays we will likely remember and have a laugh about it in a few years.
