Thompson has suspension for intentional HBP reduced originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
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DENVER — Cubs right-hander Keegan Thompson learned early Friday that MLB had reduced his three-game suspension by a game, and he began serving his time Friday.
Thompson, who drew the suspension for intentionally hitting Brewers outfielder Andrew McCutchen with a pitch Saturday at Wrigley Field, immediately appealed.
Because he threw 45 pitches in a 3 1/3-inning relief effort (earning the win) Thursday night in Colorado, he likely would not have been available to pitch until Sunday anyway — rendering the suspension moot.
“I can’t complain,” he said. “It’s what they decided to do, and I’m going to just take my suspension and come back in a couple days.”
Two Cubs already had been hit in the game Saturday, including the Brewers’ personal pin cushion, Willson Contreras, when Thompson hit McCutchen with the fourth pitch of the at-bat — that last fact amounting to his defense in the appeal.
He was immediately ejected. He and manager David Ross were suspended Monday, with Ross serving his one-game penalty Tuesday in Pittsburgh.
“I was hoping I wouldn’t [be suspended], but I wasn’t really surprised by it,” Thompson said.
Thompson hasn’t allowed a run in two long-relief outings this season, striking out five and walking one in six innings.