Judge criticizes Donaldson's 'Jackie' comment: I don't think it's right thing to do

New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson was given a one-game suspension on Monday for inappropriate comments directed toward Tim Anderson, calling the Chicago White Sox shortstop "Jackie" during their weekend series.

Meanwhile, teammate Aaron Judge was critical of Donaldson, but said the incident is now in the past.

"Joke or not, I don't think it's the right thing to do there," Judge said Monday night following news of Donaldson's suspension, according to Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times.

"Given the history, especially the series in Chicago and the little bit of beef between Anderson and (Donaldson),” Judge said. "Anderson is one of the best shortstops in the game and is a big part of MLB and how we can grow the game. (Donaldson) getting a one-game suspension … I don’t know. He made a mistake, owned up to it and we’ve got to move on."

The remark was deemed by the league office to have caused a benches-clearing incident during the same game on Saturday, with White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal and Donaldson getting into it during the fifth inning.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted he was opposed to the suspension.

"I certainly respect (MLB's decision)," Boone added. "I think they were thoughtful and looked into it and did their due diligence on it and made what was a tough call. I don't agree with it. I don't think it warranted a suspension."

Anderson said Donaldson's utterance was "disrespectful" and "unnecessary."

Donaldson rebutted, stating, "I've said it to him in years past, not in any manner (other) than just joking around (about) the fact that he called himself Jackie Robinson."

The former AL MVP and three-time All-Star was acquired by the Yankees this past offseason along with Isiah Kiner-Falefa in a blockbuster deal that sent Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela to the Minnesota Twins.

He's currently appealing the suspension.