Cubs' Tepera surprised by 3-game ban: Baseball has become 'soft'

Chicago Cubs reliever Ryan Tepera was perplexed to find out he received a three-game suspension from MLB for throwing behind Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff during an at-bat in Tuesday's game.

"I believe over time baseball has changed, and, to be blunt, today's baseball has become a bit soft," Tepera said Friday, according to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune.

Tepera, who's appealing the ban, said he was trying to let the Brewers know the Cubs were tired of getting hit by pitches after Woodruff nailed catcher Willson Contreras earlier in the game.

"Back in the day, matters were settled on the field," Tepera said. "There was no malicious intent. It was a message that we'd had enough."

Cubs manager David Ross was also suspended one game for the incident.

"I voiced my displeasure to the powers that be, and we'll move on. ... The game polices itself, in my opinion," Ross said.

Chicago faces Milwaukee again for a three-game series starting April 23.