Rougned Odor suspended eight games for punching Jose Bautista
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Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor has been suspended eight games and fined $5,000 for punching Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista, MLB announced Tuesday.
Odor's suspension stems from a brawl during the eighth inning of Sunday's series finale between Toronto and Texas. The fight started behind second base after Bautista, who was hit by a pitch from Rangers reliever Matt Bush to start the inning, committed a late slide while Odor was attempting to turn a double play. Odor immediately reacted, pushing Bautista and then landing a punch as they both moved forward.
Players from both teams rushed the field, resulting in Bautista, Odor, Toronto third baseman Josh Donaldson and Texas bench coach Steve Buechele being ejected. Here is the full list of discipline, via the MLB:
• Bautista, Odor at fault in brawl, but MLB culture bears blame too
Sunday's fight came after the dramatic end to last October's AL Division Series between these two teams, when Bautista hit a three-run home run in Game 5 of the series to give Toronto the win and then emphatically flipped his bat after his homer.
Several former players shared their own opinion on Odor's play at second base and questioned whether he wanted to throw at Bautista's face.
The Blue Jays and Rangers are not scheduled to play each other again this season.
