Nationals’ Harper drops appeal, serves 1-game suspension

FILE - In this May 9, 2016 file photo, Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper, center, is restrained by pitching coach Mike Maddux, left, and hitting coach Rick Schu (39) after Harper was ejected in the dugout during the ninth inning of an interleague baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, in Washington. If things were quiet around the club on Thursday, May 12, 2016, it's only because it was a day off. The way things have been going lately, there's no telling what will happen when the Nationals host the Miami Marlins for a four-game series starting Friday, May 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File) FILE - In this May 9, 2016 file photo, Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper, center, is restrained by pitching coach Mike Maddux, left, and hitting coach Rick Schu (39) after Harper was ejected in the dugout during the ninth inning of an interleague baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, in Washington. If things were quiet around the club on Thursday, May 12, 2016, it's only because it was a day off. The way things have been going lately, there's no telling what will happen when the Nationals host the Miami Marlins for a four-game series starting Friday, May 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

By Associated Press May 14, 2016 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – Nationals star Bryce Harper has dropped his appeal and will serve a one-game suspension in the second game of the day-night doubleheader Saturday against Miami.

The team announced the outfielder’s decision after he went 0 for 2 in Washington’s 6-4 win in the opener. The team did not open the locker room in between games.

The reigning NL MVP was suspended and fined Wednesday by Major League Baseball for his behavior following an ejection in Monday’s 5-4 win over Detroit.

During the bottom of the ninth inning of that win, Harper was in the dugout when he was ejected by plate umpire Brian Knight after Nationals batter Danny Espinosa was called out on strikes.

After the ejection, pinch hitter Clint Robinson connected for a game-winning home run. Harper, who by rule should not have been in the dugout after getting tossed, ran onto the field with his teammates to celebrate, pointed toward Knight and cursed at the umpire.