Nats batting practice pitcher sues Phillies

Washington Nationals batting practice pitcher Ali Modami filed a lawsuit against the Philadelphia Phillies and team general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. on Monday claiming that his character was defamed and his job prospects were hurt by statements made by Amaro.

Modami acted as the Phillies batting practice pitcher from May 2007 until October of 2011 when Amaro relieved him of his duties in order to alter the team's hitting program. After successful interviews with the Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers, Modami was informed that he was rejected by both clubs.

According to the lawsuit, Modami learned from former-Phillie and current National Jayson Werth that he had been rejected for the job because Amaro told the Nationals that he had been fired for stealing and selling team memorabilia in addition to writing negative things about the club on the internet.

Modami later learned from former-Phillies first base coach (currently employed by Los Angeles in the same position) that Amaro had told the Dodgers the same story.

Modami is seeking $100,000 in damages.