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Yadier Molina, Torey Lovullo each suspended one game after altercation

Yadier Molina may have avoided an ejection in his dust-up with Arizona Diamondbacks manager Tory Lovullo, but he’s still going to be punished. The St. Louis Cardinals catcher was suspended one game for his actions during the altercation.

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Molina wasn’t the only one punished, though. Lovullo also received a one-game suspension and a fine. Lovullo will serve his suspension Tuesday night, as the D-backs continue their series with the San Francisco Giants.

Molina has opted to appeal his suspension, so he’s expected to be available for Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers. He will not have to serve his suspension until the league hears his appeal. The Cardinals will complete their series with the Brewers on Wednesday. It’s unclear whether his appeal will be heard before the series ends.

Yadier Molina and Torey Lovullo were suspended for their actions during an altercation. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Yadier Molina and Torey Lovullo were suspended for their actions during an altercation. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

The incident took place during the second inning of Sunday’s game between the two clubs. Lovullo took issue with some questionable strike calls, and threw an expletive Molina’s way when he came out to argue a call.

That set Molina off. The catcher started shoving umpire Tim Timmons in an attempt to go after Tovullo. While that’s usually a big no-no around the league, Molina was allowed to stay in the game.

Lovullo was ejected, but not for swearing at Molina. Arguing balls and strikes is an automatic ejection.

In Molina’s case, the league stayed consistent with its rule after reviewing the footage. Molina was suspended for “making contact” with Timmons. Lovullo’s suspension was due to “inappropriate actions,” which is a nicer way of saying he dropped a nasty swear word when referencing an opposing player.

Lovullo apologized for his actions Tuesday, saying he respects Molina and that he made a mistake with some of his language.

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik

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