Jays' Stroman defends Tim Anderson: 'Normal slang trash talk in our culture'

Marcus Stroman isn't keeping quiet about the one-game suspension handed down to Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson for his reported use of racist language during a recent benches-clearing incident with the Kansas City Royals.

The Toronto Blue Jays right-hander took to social media Friday to defend Anderson and share his thoughts on the situation.

"Felt like I needed to speak on this. You can't suspend someone for language. That's ridiculous," Stroman wrote on Twitter. "Also, what he said is also normal slang trash talk in our culture."

He added: "We all go to different places mentally on the field in order to compete at the highest level. I support passion and emotion. I've been authentic from the beginning. I always speak my mind when I feel things aren't right. And I will always defend and respect our culture in the game. I stand with (Tim Anderson) on this!"

The White Sox and Royals got into a scuffle Wednesday when Kansas City right-hander Brad Keller hit Anderson with a pitch after the latter celebrated a home run with a bat flip in his previous at-bat. Keller received a five-game ban for his part in the incident.

Umpires said Anderson used a racial slur during the on-field altercation.

Major League Baseball has been dealing with a few racially charged issues since the April 15 celebration of the 72nd anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the sport's color barrier. In addition to Anderson's reported comments, the league is investigating racist messages that Chicago Cubs reliever Carl Edwards Jr. received on Instagram.