Washington Nationals pitcher A.J. Cole has received a five-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for intentionally throwing a pitch in the area of the head of Jung Ho Kang of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the bottom of the third inning of Sunday afternoon's game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Joe Garagiola Jr., Senior Vice President of Standards & On-Field Operations for Major League Baseball, made the announcement.
Cole's suspension had been scheduled to begin tonight, when the Nationals are to continue a home series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, he has elected to file an appeal. Thus, the discipline issued to Cole will be held in abeyance until the process is complete.