White Sox coach: Josh Donaldson punishment “incredibly disappointing”

On Monday, Major League Baseball announced a one-game suspension for New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson over his “Jackie” comment to Chicago White Sox outfielder Tim Anderson.

The decision appeared to disappoint people on both sides of the discussion, though for different reasons. Among those who felt the punishment was too light was White Sox pitching coach Ethan Katz.

Katz tweeted that he found the punishment to be “incredibly disappointing.” He has since deleted the tweet.

“Just one game. We all saw his malice at third a week ago, then this comment with the ridiculous excuse that followed,” wrote Katz. “What’s the point or message behind a 1 game suspension? This is incredibly disappointing and plain frustrating.”

According to the announcement that accompanied MLB’s decision, part of the reason for the suspension was due to the incident contributing to the benches clearing.

“MLB has completed the process of speaking to the individuals involved in this incident. There is no dispute over what was said on the field,” read a statement by Michael Hill, Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President for On-Field Operations.  “Regardless of Mr. Donaldson’s intent, the comment he directed toward Mr. Anderson was disrespectful and in poor judgment, particularly when viewed in the context of their prior interactions. In addition, Mr. Donaldson’s remark was a contributing factor in a bench-clearing incident between the teams, and warrants discipline.”

Donaldson admitted to calling Anderson “Jackie” but claimed it was in reference to the White Sox outfielder saying that he was “today’s Jackie Robinson” in a 2019 Sports Illustrated article. The Yankee kinda-sorta apologized after the game as well.

“Obviously, he deemed it disrespectful,” Donaldson said. “And look, if he did, I apologize.”

Donaldson is appealing the suspension.

[Ethan Katz]