The Seattle Mariners put first baseman-designated hitter Jesus Montero on the suspended list Monday in the wake of his tantrum over an ice cream sandwich.
The 24-year-old Montero was recalled from his rehabilitation assignment Friday following a verbal altercation with a Mariners scout in the stands at a Class A Northwest League game in Boise, Idaho. Reports said Montero, who has battled weight issues, became enraged when the scout taunted him by delivering an ice cream sandwich.
General manager Jack Zduriencik said Friday that Montero wouldn’t play again this year and sharply rebuked the actions of Montero and cross-checker Butch Baccala.
“We are extremely disappointed in both of their actions,” Zduriencik said in a statement. “It is unacceptable. This organization doesn’t condone that type of behavior. It is being addressed as we speak. There are no excuses for either party. We have none. We don’t intend to make any. It’s something that is extremely disappointing and embarrassing for the organization and for those two individuals.”
Montero has been asked to focus on off-field issues. He was trying to come back from an oblique injury in time to join Seattle in September. Montero, a former Yankees prospect who was part of the Michael Pineda trade, batted .235 with two RBIs in six games during his third season with Seattle.