Astros Bryan Abreu appeals suspension, available for Game 6
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 20: Bryan Abreu #52 of the Houston Astros pitches during Game 5 of the ALCS between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Friday, October 20, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Phot
HOUSTON - Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu has appealed his suspension and will be available for Game 6 of the American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers.
Abreu was suspended by MLB for hitting Texas Rangers RF Adolis Garcia with a pitch in the bottom of the 8th inning in the Astros win over the Rangers in Game 5.
Garcia became irate, getting into the face of Astros catcher Martin Maldonado and causing benches and bullpens to clear.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 20: Adolis Garcia #53 of the Texas Rangers argues with Martin Maldonado #15 of the Houston Astros after being hit by a pitch by Bryan Abreu #52 of the Houston Astros causing benches to clear during the eighth inning in Game
In the suspension notice the MLB said all six umpires said that Abreu intentionally hit Garcia.
Earlier in the game, Garcia hit a 3-run home run to put the Rangers ahead in the game.
Garcia slowly walked to first, watching the ball fly over the fence, before spiking his bat.
Abreu hit Garcia with a fastball in his next plate appearance.
The MLB suspended Abreu for 2 games and fined him an undisclosed amount.
Featured
Houston Astros reliever Bryan Abreu suspended 2 games for hitting Rangers Adolis Garcia
"All six of the Major League Umpires deemed Abreu’s pitch to have been intentional," read the suspension notice from the MLB.
The Astros have denied that Abreu hit Garcia on purpose.
How do you prove intent? That’s what I don’t understand," Astros manager Dusty Baker said after the game. "And I ain't been that mad in a long time. And I don't usually get mad about nothing."
Abreu appealed his two-game suspension.
MLB will review the ruling.
Abreu's availability for a potential Game 7 is to be determined.