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Nats fans will give thousands if Papelbon is cut from team

WASHINGTON — Pitcher Jonathan Papelbon, who the Washington Nationals just suspended for the final four games of the year, might have his days numbered in the nation’s capital. On Sunday, Papelbon choked star Bryce Harper in the dugout during Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, the same team who traded the pitcher to the Nats earlier this season. On Monday, a few fans took to Twitter, claiming they’d donate money to charity if Papelbon is cut from the team. It could be tough to do that, though: The Nats picked up his option for the 2016 season, so the team would owe Papelbon $11 million next year, even if he’s let go. The campaign started with Twitter user “Johann,” a self-described baseball player and Nationals archivist from Fairfax, Virginia.

From there, scores of fans claimed they’d donate to the cause. Some stuck with the $100 proposed, others said they’d offer $200. Twitter user @Natidude claimed a donation of $3,400. Just last week, Papelbon hit Baltimore Orioles’ player Manny Machado with a pitch after he hit a homerun in his previous at-bat. Major League Baseball issued a three-game suspension to Papelbon, who appealed the decision.

WATCH: Nats celebrate World Series with parade ahead of Spring Training opener in Florida

The Washington Nationals showed off their trophy from winning the 2019 World Series in front of their local fans in South Florida during a parade on Thursday, February 20. Spring Training kicked off recently, and the first preseason game is Saturday, February 22, against the Houston Astros, the team they defeated in the World Series. Before the parade started, Michael A. Taylor and Sean Doolittle mingled with fans, some of whom were wearing hats supporting the local Miami Marlins. However, the West Palm Beach fans showed their support, as players like Kurt Suzuki, Trea Turner and Howie Kendrick rode in cars and buses through the main streets of Clemantis.
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