Houston Astros Get Big Break on Bryan Abreu Suspension for ALCS Game 7 Against Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers now know that Houston Astros reliever Bryan Abreu will be available for Game 7, even though his two-game suspension for his role in a benches-clearing melee in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series was upheld Monday.
Abreu’s suspension remained at two games after his appeal was heard, but MLB has decided that Abreu won't have to serve that suspension until the start of the 2024 season.
That means that he will be available as the Astros seek a Game 7 win and a return to the World Series. Texas is after its first berth in the Fall Classic since 2011.
Abreu was suspended for two games on Saturday after hitting Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia in the eighth inning of Game 5. That prompted the benches to clear after Garcia got in the face of Astros catcher Martin Maldonado.
Astros reliever Bryan Abreu pitched in Game 6, but will not be available for Game 7 after his suspension was upheld Monday by MLB.
The near-brawl led to ejections of Abreu, Garcia and Astros manager Dusty Baker for arguing about Abreu’s ejection.
Abreu, MLB and the Astros did not meet until 5 p.m. on Sunday before Game 6 of the series. Shortly afterward, MLB announced that Abreu was appealing the suspension.
That appeal allowed him to be available for Game 6. But it was a roll of the dice for the Astros, as MLB scheduled his appeal to be heard on Monday before Game 7.
Baker was hoping the suspension hearing would be postponed.
Had the Astros won Game 6 on Sunday, then any suspension Abreu had to serve would be served during the World Series.
But since the Rangers won 9-2 in Game 6, Abreu would have to serve the suspension in the Astros’ next game, if it was upheld.
Abreu pitched in Game 6, throwing in the eighth inning and facing Garcia with no one out and one runner on base. Abreu struck Garcia out swinging. He did allow a run on a Mitch Garver RBI single.
2023 ALCS schedule (Series tied 3-3)
Game 1: Rangers 2, Astros 0
Game 2: Rangers 5, Astros 4
Game 3: Astros 8, Rangers 5
Game 4: Astros 10, Rangers 3
Game 5: Astros 5, Rangers 4
Game 6: Rangers 9, Astros 2
Game 7*: Monday at Houston, 7:03 p.m. (Fox)
*If necessary
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
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