Jonathan Papelbon Reportedly Files Grievance Against Nationals

Washington Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon filed a grievance against the club for failing to pay him during a four-game suspension that he served during the 2015 season, according to Rob Bradford of Boston's WEEI.

The issue at hand is whether the Nationals owe him the salary they did not pay during his suspension. According to Bradford, Papelbon claims that "there is no precedent of a player having his salary withdrawn after such a team-issued suspension."

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, citing sources, reported that the players' union filed a grievance two days after he was suspended, adding that the team considered it "obligatory." Rosenthal reported that the hearing will likely take place in the spring.

Here is video footage of the incident which led to the suspension, which involved a skirmish with teammate Bryce Harper, via MLB.com:

Papelbon ended up serving a seven-game suspension after MLB added three games to the team-imposed ban, shutting him down for the rest of the season.

Whether Papelbon agreed with it at the time or not, the Nationals issued a statement shortly after the incident, noting that they would not pay him during the suspension:

This creates an awkward situation for both sides. But MLB is a business, and Papelbon is trying to recoup some or all of the money he was denied.

MLB has a strong players' union, but this seems like a clear-cut case: Either the rule says a player is paid during a team-imposed suspension, or it doesn't.

According to Bradford, no hearing date has been set for the 35-year-old closer, who has amassed 349 saves during his 11-year career.