Cubs' Tepera felt time was right to send a message to Brewers
Cubs pitcher Ryan Tepera is in the process of appealing his three-game suspension for throwing a pitch behind Milwaukee's Brandon Woodruff on Tuesday.
But when speaking to reporters via Zoom call on Friday, Tepera never tried to claim it was an accident.
"I think what happened on Tuesday, there was no malicious intent, it was just a message that we had had enough," Tepera said. "I feel that typically it doesn't bode well in the clubhouse when guys are consistently being thrown at."
Cubs catcher Willson Contreras has been hit by pitches three times against the Brewers this season and 7 times in the last 15 games against Milwaukee, going back to early last season. Contreras was hit on the hand by a high, inside pitch earlier in Tuesday's game. Tepera's pitch to Woodruff was roughly at knee level and did not hit him.
Tepera started his availability with a statement.
"Instead of me just sitting here beating around the bush, I want to be completely honest with regards to Tuesday's game," he said. "I believe over time, baseball has changed. To be blunt, today's game of baseball has become a bit soft. Back in the day, matters were settled on the field, one of many unwritten rules that have changed over time.
"We saw the same thing happening last year to this year. I think it was the right time to kind of send a message. I don't know if it should have happened before or when it did, but I chose to do it and send a message the way I did."
Tepera said he expects the appeal process to take about a week and he will remain on the active roster until it is resolved. He also said he was not expecting this type of punishment from MLB.
"Very surprised. I mean to me, there really is no justification for a suspension and fine," he said.
Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls