MLB suspends Giants manager Gabe Kapler for one game

San Francisco Giants Head coach Gabe Kapler announced he was suspended for one game and fined for returning to the dugout area after he was already sent off during Tuesday’s game.

Kapler was ejected by home plate umpire Chad Whitson for He argues a questionable strike call In the fourth inning against Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday. It was Kapler’s second ejection of the season and the seventh of his career.

He later returned to the dugout area and watched the game on a screen in the batting cage at Oracle Park, engaging in conversations with players and coaches. He was still wearing his uniform.

“First you broke the spirit of the rule, right?” Kapler said on Friday. “The spirit of the rule is that the manager walks up to the club, wears street clothes, [and I] Violate it being around the bunker area. …at this point, a justified move. … I will watch the game from the club. I’ll be in the office with the door locked to make sure no temptation sneaks in.”

Kapler will serve his suspension during Friday’s game at Atlanta Braves. Bench coach Kai Correa and pitching coach Andrew Bailey will combine to serve as interim game director.

“I have to take responsibility for that,” Kappler said. “I met with the team and told them I broke the rule and apologized to them for having to answer any possible questions, they might. They need to focus on Atlanta tonight. We need to focus on Atlanta tonight.”

San Francisco (64-57) is trailing 10 1/2 games Los Angeles Dodgers In the National League West has lost eight of 11 but is still a game and a half in the race for a place to play cards.

The Giants have won just 10 of their 26 games since July 18, when they were 1 1/2 out of first.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.