Houston Astros' Bryan Abreu Suspended For Hitting Texas Rangers' Adolis García With Pitch
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.
Houston went on to win 5-4 in Game 5 thanks to a clutch homer from second baseman José Altuve.
The Astros now lead the series 3-2 despite dropping Games 1 and 2 in Houston. If they were to win either Game 6 or a possible Game 7, they would become the first team in League Championship Series history to successfully come back after losing the first two games at home.
Game 6 is scheduled to start at 8:03 p.m. on Sunday.
As long as he appeals, Abreu will be available out of the Astros' bullpen for the potential series-clincher.
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