MLB suspends Harper 1 game for altercation with umpire

Major League Baseball hasn't taken Bryce Harper's verbal abuse towards an umpire lightly.

MLB has handed the slugger a one-game suspension for an altercation with umpire Brian Knight on Monday.

Harper is also expected to receive a fine for the incident.

MLB said the suspension is being handed to the reigning NL MVP for both returning to the field and for directing an expletive towards Knight.

Harper, who was ejected from the dugout by Knight during the ninth inning of Monday's contest against the Detroit Tigers, returned to the field to celebrate Clint Robinson's walk-off home run and had some choice words for the umpire upon his return.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

The suspension was scheduled to be served Wednesday, but the 23-year-old decided to appeal. He'll be eligible to play until a decision is reached.

After an historic 2015 campaign, Harper is hitting .252/.433/.602 with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs.