Blue Jays' Stroman suspended 6 games: 'It's bothering me a lot'

Marcus Stroman insists he's not the type of pitcher to throw at an opposing player - even if Major League Baseball disagrees.

The Toronto Blue Jays right-hander was served a six-game suspension and an undisclosed fine Wednesday for throwing a pitch in the direction of Baltimore Orioles catcher Caleb Joseph's head during Monday's series opener.

But it's Stroman, not Joseph, who remains the most affected by the ordeal.

"It's bothering me a lot," Stroman said, via the National Post, prior to Tuesday's game in Baltimore. ... "I'll definitely reach out to him at some point. Obviously, that's not me. I've never thrown at someone's head before, nor will I ever."

The league office clearly saw things differently.

Stroman's high fastball appeared to come in response to a play earlier in the game involving Joseph and Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes. Following the pitch, the Blue Jays' 23-year-old rookie starter was caught on the television broadcast glaring into the Baltimore dugout and exchanging words with Orioles manager Buck Showalter.

Stroman was still apologetic Tuesday speaking to reporters. From the National Post:

It sucks, just hearing all this stuff. I’m trying to stay away from it, but it bothers me a lot. It kind of gets to me. I know deep down, family, friends, teammates know that’s not me as an individual. So obviously, it’s bothering me a lot lately. Hopefully it blows over, but that’s not the rep that I feel like I portrayed all throughout this year. That’s not who I am.

Stroman will appeal the decision, according to MLB.com's Gregor Chisholm, possibly clearing the way for him to make his next start Saturday at Yankee Stadium.