CHICAGO CUBS SUSPEND TOP STAR JAVIER BÁEZ AND TWO OTHER PLAYERS
Chicago, IL – The Chicago Cubs have announced that they have suspended their top star, Javier Báez, along with two other players, for violating team rules.
Báez, the team’s All-Star shortstop, was handed a 5-game suspension without pay for violating team rules related to tardiness and attendance. The 29-year-old has been a key player for the Cubs, helping the team win the World Series in 2016.
In addition to Báez, outfielder Albert Almora Jr. and catcher Willson Contreras were also suspended for 3 and 2 games, respectively. Almora was suspended for missing a team meeting without permission, while Contreras was disciplined for violating curfew.
The suspensions were announced by the Cubs on Friday, and will take effect immediately. The team has also fined the three players undisclosed amounts.
“We take these violations very seriously,” said Cubs manager Joe Maddon. “We expect our players to be on time and attend all meetings. These suspensions are a reminder that we are a team and we need to work together to achieve our goals.”
The suspensions come at a critical time for the Cubs, who are currently battling for a playoff spot in the National League. The team has struggled with consistency this season, and the suspensions of its top players could be a significant blow.
Báez’s suspension is particularly notable, as he has been one of the team’s most consistent players this season. He has averaged .292 with 24 home runs and 77 RBIs this year.
The Cubs have not yet announced any plans to replace the suspended players on their active roster. The team will continue to play with a reduced lineup until the suspensions are served.
This is not the first time that Báez has been disciplined by the Cubs. In 2018, he was fined and suspended for two games after being late to a game and violating curfew.
The suspensions have sparked controversy among fans and media, with some questioning whether the punishment is fair given the team’s struggling performance this season. Others have praised the Cubs for taking a stand and holding their players accountable for their actions.
The Chicago Cubs will play their next game on Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals, with Báez expected to miss the contest. The team will continue to update fans on his condition and any changes to his suspension status.
The suspensions have also sparked debate among fans about whether the team’s discipline is too strict or not strict enough. Some have called for more severe punishment, while others have argued that the suspensions are too harsh.
The incident is still under investigation, and more information about the reasons behind the suspensions will be released as it becomes available.
