Astros reliever suspended for throwing at Rangers star, sparking brawl

Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu. Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

Astros reliever suspended two games for throwing at Rangers star, sparking brawl

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 10/21/23

Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia believed that Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu intentionally hit him in the eighth inning of Friday's ALCS game, sparking a benches clearing brawl and the ejections of Abreu, Garcia and Astros manager Dusty Baker.

It seems that Major League Baseball agrees with Garcia's take on the play and has suspended Abreu for two games.

Even with the suspension that still might not mean much in terms of this playoff series, because as ESPN's Jeff Passan points out Abreu is likely to appeal the suspension.

That means by the time the appeal is heard this series might already be over and the suspension not enforced until next season.

Astros reliever Bryan Abreu was suspended two games for what MLB deemed an intentional hit by pitch in Game 5 of the ALCS. While the suspension could be implemented before Game 6, he is expected to appeal, and it likely won’t be enforced until next season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 21, 2023

The incident happened in the bottom of the eighth inning with the Rangers leading 4-2. After Evan Carter was walked to start the inning, Garcia was hit a 99 mph fastball that immediately infuriated him. Instead of taking his base he immediately confronted Astros catcher Martin Maldonado, kicking off the brawl.

Baker was infuriated by the decision to eject Abreu and earned himself an ejection for throwing his hat and berating the umpires. He initially refused to leave the dugout while the game was stopped for 12 minutes as umpires tried to restore order.

Houston ended up winning the game thanks to a three-run home run by Jose Altuve in the top of the ninth inning to take a 3-2 series lead. They have a chance to clinch another trip to the World Series in Game 6 of the series on Sunday night when the series shifts back to Houston.

Abreu is one of the Astros' best relief pitchers and has been dominant coming out of their bullpen the past two years. Given where the series is and how important the next two games are it would make total sense for Abreu to appeal and stay on the field for the remainder of this series.

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