WASHINGTON — Pitcher Jonathan Papelbon, who the Washington Nationals just suspended for the final four games of the year, might have his days numbered in the nation’s capital.
On Sunday, Papelbon choked star Bryce Harper in the dugout during Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, the same team who traded the pitcher to the Nats earlier this season.
On Monday, a few fans took to Twitter, claiming they’d donate money to charity if Papelbon is cut from the team. It could be tough to do that, though: The Nats picked up his option for the 2016 season, so the team would owe Papelbon $11 million next year, even if he’s let go.
The campaign started with Twitter user “Johann,” a self-described baseball player and Nationals archivist from Fairfax, Virginia.
@Nationals I will donate $100 to a charity of your choice if you cut Papelbon today
— Johann (@NLBeastNats) September 28, 2015
From there, scores of fans claimed they’d donate to the cause. Some stuck with the $100 proposed, others said they’d offer $200. Twitter user @Natidude claimed a donation of $3,400.
Just last week, Papelbon hit Baltimore Orioles’ player Manny Machado with a pitch after he hit a homerun in his previous at-bat. Major League Baseball issued a three-game suspension to Papelbon, who appealed the decision.
