Mets' reliever Hansel Robles appealing three game suspension

Mets relief pitcher Hansel Robles will appeal his three game suspension for throwing at the head of Philadelphia Phillies' catcher Cameron Rupp.

Robles's "intentional" attempt to bean Rupp occurred Wednesday night in a 7-5 Mets loss. MLB is presumably convinced that the pitch was in retaliation for Yoenis Cespedes and Kirk Nieuwenhuis both being plunked, and following Logan Verrett hitting Phillies' outfielder Odubel Herrera.

Had Robles not appealed, he would have served the suspension during the Mets' season-ending homestand with the division rival Washington Nationals, a series whose start was postponed Friday night.

If Robles's appeal is successful, and the suspension is reduced or removed entirely, the Mets could have one of their newest bullpen stars available as they fight to hold onto home field advantage in the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers; each team enters the final three games of the season with an 89-70 mark, with the Mets holding the tie breaker by virtue of winning the season series 4-3.

If Robles's appeal is not successful, his suspension would not keep him out of the playoffs, but would keep him out of the first three games of the 2016 season, two against the Kansas City Royals and the home opener against the Phillies.