Toronto coach Martinez suspended 5 games for lineup exchange conduct
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Toronto Blue Jays hitting coach Guillermo Martinez has received a five-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for making contact with umpire Doug Eddings and for his unsportsmanlike conduct during the pregame lineup card exchange prior to his club’s Wednesday’s game against the White Sox in Chicago. Michael Hill, Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President for On-Field Operations, made the announcement.
The exchange was a continuation of Tuesday’s long, hot 7-6 loss in 12 innings, a frustrating slog that saw pitching coach Pete Walker ejected in extras. The Blue Jays argued with Eddings throughout the game, so there’s no surprise that it was Eddings whom Martinez got into a tense exchange with Wednesday.
The suspension of Martinez is scheduled to begin tonight, when the Blue Jays are to play at Milwaukee.