Suspended for one game, Clevenger has no regrets

September 08, 2012|By Paul Sullivan, Tribune reporter

PITTSBURGH -- Chicago Cubs catcher Steve Clevenger received a one-game suspension and fine from Major League Baseball for his role in Thursday's scuffle with the Nationals.

Clevenger will serve his suspension tonight, having decided not to appeal.

"They put their hand down and I accept full responsibility," Clevenger said.

Manager Dale Sveum said the Cubs "were lucky it's just one day."

Sveum added he didn't "know exactly what went on" since he had not seen a replay.

Cubs bench coach Jamie Quirk and Manny Corpas escaped suspensions for their roles in the incidents.

Clevenger was ejected from the game, and was seen as an instigator, not only on the inside pitch to Bryce Harper that started a bench-clearing incident, but also for trying to throw a punch at Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond.

Clevenger claimed the pitch by Lendy Castillo was "unintentional," though he did not move his glove at all as the ball sailed to the backstop. Clevenger felt that wasn't a factor.

"I don't think so," he said. "I didn't move my glove. We're going to move on from it."

Clevenger said he had no regrets for his actions.

"The benches clear and things happen," he said. "I'm out there trying to protect my team, too. We'll go from there and I accept responsibility.. for my actions in the pile. What happened happened. I have a responsibility to protect my players, my pitchers, and I felt like I handled myself fine. But (MLB) put their hand down and gave me a suspension."

The Cubs have been criticized by some for starting the incident when third base coach Jamie Quirk complained after the Nationals stole two bases and swung at a 3-0 pitch with the bases loaded with a 5-run lead in the fifth inning.

"People are going to criticize what we do," Clevenger said. "It's always going to be like that. I don't get too much into that."