In the aftermath of Friday’s dust-up in Game 5 of the ALCS, Major League Baseball handed down multiple penalties to the Astros and Rangers on Saturday as both teams gear up for Sunday’s pivotal Game 6.
Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu, whose errant fastball ignited tensions and led to his ejection, received a two-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for his role in the bench-clearing incident, per the league. The decision came after MLB officials determined Abreu intentionally hit Rangers outfielder Adolis García with a pitch in the sixth inning after reviewing the play.
“All six of the major league umpires deemed Abreu’s pitch to have been intentional,” said MLB senior vice president of on-field operations Michael Hill in a statement.
MLB officials also declared the call on Abreu’s pitch, which came two frames after a monster García home run, “took into account the dangerous nature of the pitch and its potential impact on player safety.”
(AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
As of Saturday, MLB reportedly expects Abreu to appeal, with a hearing likely taking place within 48 hours, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Should the penalty be upheld and the Astros win Game 6, Abreu’s suspension would start in Game 7, instead of next season.
In addition to Abreu, García and Astros manager Dusty Baker, both of whom were ejected for their actions during the skirmish, received undisclosed fines. Rangers pitcher Matt Bush and Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. received undisclosed fines for their actions during the skirmish as well.
With both clubs still reeling from an emotional Game 5, Sunday figures to bring more drama with defending champion Houston closing in on a series victory.
