MLB suspends, fines Matt Kemp, Robinson Chirinos

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp and Texas Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos were suspended for one game apiece by Major League Baseball on Friday because of a scuffle that followed a collision at home plate.

Joe Torre, MLB's chief baseball officer, announced the suspensions, along with undisclosed fines.

Chirinos was not in the Rangers' lineup Friday night for a series opener at home against Colorado, and the team said he was serving his suspension. Kemp is appealing his suspension, and was in the lineup for Los Angeles' game against San Francisco, hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning.

Kemp said he was surprised by the punishment and he appealed because he disagrees with it.

"Nothing happened," he said. "Just a little pushing. I've seen way worse happen. So I guess we'll see what they decide, but I don't agree with it."

Kemp was trying to score from second base on a two-out single by Enrique Hernandez in the third inning of Wednesday night's game at Dodger Stadium. Chirinos caught a pinpoint throw by right fielder Nomar Mazara and had his glove out to tag Kemp, who barreled into the catcher with his arms up and leading with his shoulder. Chirinos' helmet flew off as both he and Kemp fell to the ground.

Both benches and bullpens cleared after Chirinos and Kemp got up and shoved each other. Kemp was restrained by Rangers starter Cole Hamels.

No punches were thrown, but Chirinos and Kemp were both ejected.

"I think you can debate who instigated that confrontation," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "There wasn't a punch thrown on (Kemp's) part. So I think, obviously, emotions on both sides. It's old-school baseball and both teams move forward."

Rules have been put in place to outlaw runners from plowing into catchers, and catchers have to give runners a lane to the plate in most cases. On this play, the throw home took Chirinos directly into Kemp's path.