Edwin Encarnacion drops suspension appeal, sits today

Jul 9, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) reacts after flying out in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre. Detroit defeated Toronto 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) reacts after flying out in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre. Detroit defeated Toronto 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Edwin Encarnacion was suspended for one game by Major League Baseball for bumping umpire Vic Carapazza following his ejection

The Toronto Blue Jays will be without Edwin Encarnacion today in their series finale against the Detroit Tigers as the designated hitter has chosen to drop his appeal and serve his one-game suspension.


Encarnacion was handed the punishment for bumping home plate umpire Vic Carapazza following his ejection for arguing balls and strikes. He was one of three Toronto ejections that day, joining manager John Gibbons and catcher Russell Martin.

While Encarnacion’s appeal would have centred on the contact being accidental, which he could argue as his hands were crossed behind his back, contact with an umpire is a very black-and-white rule within Major League Baseball.

Josh Donaldson will DH again today in Encarnacion’s spot, leaving Darwin Barney to make another start at third base. Ezequiel Carrera remains in the leadoff spot while centre-fielder Kevin Pillar will move up and hit fifth.

Encarnacion currently leads all of baseball with 80 RBI. After a relatively slow start, the 33-year-old had caught fire and currently has 23 home runs with an .898 OPS.