MLB suspends, fines Rodolfo Castro for phone incident but Pirates infielder will appeal

Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Rodolfo Castro has been suspended for one game and fined for violating MLB policy when his mobile phone fell out of his back pocket during an Aug. 9 game at Arizona.

While saying he truly respects MLB’s decision, Castro will appeal the suspension. That will allow him to continue to play for the Pirates, and he was expected to start at third base against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night at PNC Park.

“In all reality, I was a little bit surprised, especially because at the end of the day I’m human. I made a mistake. I take ownership of my mistake,” Castro said through translator Mike Gonzalez. “I do respect the decision MLB made, but this is something, like I mentioned before, that was definitely not intentional and not purposeful. It was a mistake. So I was a little surprised, but at the same time I respect it.”

Rodolfo Castro has been fined and suspended 1-game for playing with a cell phone in his back pocketpic.twitter.com/RS0QpBmplw

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 16, 2022

Pirates manager Derek Shelton said MLB investigated the incident where Castro’s phone fell out of his back pocket while sliding headfirst into third base in the fourth inning of a 6-4 loss to the Diamondbacks and “came up with something it thought was fair.”

On a guest appearance earlier Tuesday on 93.7 FM, Shelton reiterated his stance that though Castro made a mistake, “there was nothing malicious there.” Later, Shelton said that although Castro appealed the suspension, the Pirates “will abide by whatever they do.”

ESPN reported MLB officials examined Castro’s phone activity and found no evidence it had been used during the game before the incident, alleviating concerns caused by the Houston Astros cheating scandal.

Castro said part of his desire to appeal is to explain to MLB officials what happened. Shelton has said Castro didn’t realize he left his phone in his left pocket because he had a sliding glove in there, as well.

“I do know that it was a mistake,” Castro said. “It’s something I wasn’t even really conscious of. It’s something I truly didn’t intend to happen. Mostly, more than anything, I just want MLB to hear my version of the story and make sure they understand the heart behind everything.”

Shelton said he sat down with Castro and discussed ways to be prepared as a professional, and Castro said he will be more mindful to disconnect from any electronic devices that don’t involve the game.

“This is definitely something I grew from and I definitely learned a huge lesson from,” Castro said, “and I can definitely guarantee it won’t happen again.”