Turner appeals suspension for umpire contact

SAN DIEGO -- Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner is appealing the one-game suspension and undisclosed fine he received as a result of making contact with home-plate umpire Rob Drake at the end of Monday night’s 4-3 loss to the Padres.

The suspension will be held in abeyance until the process is completed. Turner, who had a home run, double and single on Monday night, was not in the starting lineup for Tuesday night’s game, but manager Dave Roberts said it was a scheduled day off.

MLB chief baseball officer Joe Torre made the ruling after Turner argued being called out on strikes by Drake for the final out of the game. After the game, Turner claimed that Drake walked into him to make contact.

The incident occurred as Drake was walking off the field toward the tunnel next to the Dodgers’ dugout. Crew chief Tim Timmons intervened.

Turner would not comment on the discipline, but Roberts said he was “a little taken aback” by the ruling.

“Two professionals, Rob and Justin, and Justin’s track record speaks for itself,” said Roberts. “Obviously, Rob felt differently. But the way I saw it, there was contact initiated by Rob as far as walking to the umpires’ room. It wasn’t trying to be super aggressive on Justin’s part. It was an emotional part of the game, as far as ending the game. I feel confident Major League Baseball will look at it and come to a decision.”