Papelbon handed 7-game suspension

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon was suspended seven games and fined by Major League Baseball for making a lewd gesture and then bumping an umpire.

Papelbon said in a statement distributed by his agent that he would immediately begin serving the suspension, and that he regrets making contact with umpire Joe West on Sunday.

But the right-hander insisted he wasn’t making a vulgar motion toward fans as he walked off the field to boos after giving up four runs in the ninth inning of Philadelphia’s 5-4 loss to the Miami Marlins. He apologized to Phillies fans in the statement.

Mets’ Harvey throws off Citi Field mound

NEW YORK (AP) — Mets ace Matt Harvey threw off the main mound at Citi Field on Monday, the final step this season in his rehab program from Tommy John surgery last October.

Harvey, who won’t pitch this year, will now rest his right elbow so it continues to heal, and then begin his regular offseason work. New York general manager Sandy Alderson said everything the team wanted Harvey to accomplish this season has been accomplished, and he is considered on track and ready to go for spring training next year.

Harvey didn’t face hitters but simulated three innings and threw all his pitches besides his slider, because the team didn’t want him to put that kind of torque on his elbow yet.

Tanaka pitches in instructional league

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Masahiro Tanaka pitched five scoreless innings against minor leaguers in an instructional league simulated game Monday, perhaps the final step before the injured Japanese pitcher rejoins the New York Yankees.

Tanaka threw 65 pitches at Steinbrenner Field, allowing six hits and striking out four.