San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler was suspended for one game and fined for returning to the dugout area after he had already been ejected during Tuesday's game, it was announced.
Kapler was ejected by home plate umpire Chad Whitson for arguing a questionable strike call in the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. It was Kapler's second ejection this season and seventh of his career.
He later returned to the dugout area and watched the game on a monitor in the batting cage at Oracle Park, involving himself in conversations with players and coaches. He was still wearing his uniform.
"First, I violated the spirit of the rule, right?" Kapler said Friday. "The spirit of the rule is the manager goes up the clubhouse, gets in street clothes, [and I] violated that being around the dugout area. ... At this point, a warranted move. ... I'll be monitoring the game from the clubhouse. I'll be in the office with the door shut to make sure no temptation sneaks in."
Kapler served his suspension during Friday's game in Atlanta, with the Braves winning, 4-0. Bench coach Kai Correa and pitching coach Andrew Bailey combined to serve as interim manager for the game.
"I've got to take responsibility for it," Kapler said. "I met with the team and I let them know that I violated the rule and apologized to them having to answer any questions potentially, which they might. They need to be focused on Atlanta tonight. We need to be focused on Atlanta tonight."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
