Major League Baseball is reviewing the Detroit Tigers outfielder Tyler Collins’ improper gesture to fans during Monday night’s win over the Oakland Athletics.
A league spokesperson told the Free Press on Tuesday the league has opened an investigation regarding the incident, in which the Tigers center fielder flashed his middle finger to fans.
“If anything needs to be done, we’ll handle it internally,” Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. “And if Major League Baseball has a reaction, then we’ll see what their reaction is.”
Collins was booed after losing a fly ball in the lights in the sixth inning.
“Nobody wants that ball to get lost less than me,” Collins said. “That hurts. And to be at home and to hear boos after that play, it hit a trigger inside of me and I lashed out, completely inappropriately.
“I’m absolutely embarrassed that happened and I’m very sorry to everybody in Detroit. I just want you guys to understand that I love this team and I want to win so when we come home and get booed, it’s tough to swallow. But like I said, I apologize completely and I’m embarrassed at myself and I know my family is embarrassed at me and I’m sure these guys are, too, so I’m sorry that happened.”
MLB previously suspended right-handed reliever Jonathan Papelbon for seven games while with the Phillies in 2014 after making an inappropriate gesture to fans while getting booed after blowing a save.
The Tigers’ Joe Nathan wasn’t disciplined by the league in 2014 after giving a chin flick to fans following a win.
If Collins is suspended while on the 25-man roster, the Tigers would not be able to fill that spot, having to play one man short. If he is optioned to Triple-A Toledo — which could be on the horizon, given Cameron Maybin’s recovery from a shoulder injury — any potential suspension would take place if he returns to the big leagues. He can appeal any suspension.
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