The controversial closer has filed a grievance against the Nationals for failing to pay him during a team-imposed four-game suspension late last season, according to WEEI-FM in Boston. Papelbon was suspended by the Nationals after getting into an altercation with teammate Bryce Harper in the dugout Sept. 23 against the Orioles.
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The report said Papelbon filed the grievance over what he believes to be a lack of precedent for a player having his salary revoked for a team-issued suspension of that nature.
Papelbon missed the season’s final seven games because of the incident with an accompanying three-game ban from MLB.
No hearing date has been set.
Papelbon, 35, was acquired from the Phillies before the trade deadline. He’ll make $11 million in the final year of his contract.
