Houston Astros reliever Bryan Abreu has been suspended two games for his role in the benches-clearing incident in Game 5 of the ALCS, MLB announced Saturday.
Abreu plunked Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis García in the arm with a fastball, two innings after the slugger crushed a go-ahead home run and went viral for his emotional celebration. García immediately got up in catcher Martin Maldonado’s face to kick off the altercation.
Both benches and both bullpens cleared. Abreu, García and Astros manager Dusty Baker were all ejected.
MLB deemed that Abreu intentionally threw at García, leading to his suspension, plus a fine. García and Rangers pitcher Matt Bush were both slapped with suspensions.
Abreu is expected to appeal the suspension, which would otherwise be effective immediately, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. If he does so, the suspension would likely not kick in until the 2024 season.
