Nyjer Morgan Banned for 8 Games for Role in Brawl

(NewsCore) - Washington Nationals outfielder Nyjer Morgan was served an eight-game suspension from Major League Baseball Friday for his role in a violent, bench-clearing brawl that broke out during Wednesday's game against the Florida Marlins.

Another four players, a bench coach and the two managers were suspended for various lengths, but Morgan received the longest ban of anyone, eight games, for his role in the nasty fistfight.

During Wednesday night's game, Florida pitcher Chris Volstad intentionally threw behind Morgan, prompting the center fielder to charge the mound in a fit of rage.

Florida first baseman Gaby Sanchez sprinted over and took down Morgan with a forceful leap and a brutal mob formed near the pitcher's mound.

Also suspended among the Nationals were pitcher Doug Slaten and third-base coach Pat Listach, who received three-game bans, and manager Jim Riggleman, who got a two-game penalty.

On the Marlins' side, Volstad was suspended for six games and Sanchez got three, while pitcher Alex Sanabia received five and manager Edwin Rodriguez will serve one game. All suspensions include undisclosed fines. Jose Veras of the Marlins was not suspended but was fined.

All the Marlins players were appealing their suspensions, meaning they are free to continue playing until the appeals process takes place, according to MLB.com.

Morgan has been involved in three separate incidents in less than one week.

He unnecessarily ran into Cardinals catcher Bryan Anderson Saturday and directed inappropriate comments to fans at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Tuesday, before charging the mound Wednesday.

Morgan's suspension is in addition to a seven-game suspension -- stemming from an Aug. 21 incident in Philadelphia -- that he is currently appealing.

The friction Wednesday was linked to the 10th inning in Tuesday's game when Morgan collided with Florida catcher Brett Hayes on a play the Marlins believed Morgan would have scored on had he slid.

Hayes sustained a separated left shoulder, while Morgan was called out at the plate.