ST. LOUIS – Willson Contreras, who lost his cool on Aug. 25 when he was ejected for arguing balls and strikes before throwing his bat and a bucket of gum onto the field, began a suspension on Friday after having it reduced from six games to four games by Major League Baseball following an appeal process.
Contreras, the Cardinals' home run leader this season with 20, will miss the weekend series against the Giants at Busch Stadium and Monday’s game versus the Mariners in Seattle. Contreras was also fined an undisclosed amount for his actions.
Originally, MLB handed down a six-game suspension for Contreras, who was deemed to have used vulgar language in addition to bumping umpire Derek Thomas following a strike three call that St. Louis' first baseman didn’t initially object to. However, after words were exchanged and Contreras was ejected, he charged at the umpire. Contreras was restrained by both manager Oliver Marmol and bench coach Daniel Descalso at times, and flung his bat toward the umpire, only to have it hit Cardinals hitting coach Brant Brown on the forearm. Brown was not seriously injured.
The Cardinals also activated catcher Yohel Pozo from the 7-day concussion injured list and optioned infielder César Prieto to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.
Contreras, who made the switch from catcher to first base before the season, has slashed .254/.338./448 with 30 doubles and 78 RBIs in 130 games this season. He went 3-for-4 with a triple and four RBIs in the Cardinals' win over the Athletics on Wednesday night.