José Ramírez Addresses Melee With Tim Anderson: ‘He Said He Wanted to Fight’

Guardians star Jose Ramirez and White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson were both ejected from Saturday’s game after a melee during which the pair threw punches at one another.

After the game, Ramírez addressed the media in Cleveland and shared his side of things. 

“He said he wanted to fight and if he wanted to fight I had to defend myself,” said Ramírez when asked what went down with Anderson at second base, via Camyrn Justice. 

“I felt I was able to land one,” he said of knocking Anderson to the floor.

The skirmish occurred during the sixth inning of the game after Ramírez was ruled safe while sliding into second base after a double. Words were exchanged while Ramírez was getting to his feet and the pair quickly began throwing punches.  

As a result of the brawl that ensued, there were six ejections. Both Anderson and Ramírez were tossed by officials, as were managers Terry Francona and Pedro Grifol. Additionally, Guardians reliever Emmanuel Clase and third base coach Mike Sarbaugh were ejected.

“I'm not going to comment on it,” said Grifol, via Daryl Van Schouwen. “I'm going to let MLB figure it out, do their investigation and watch the video. They have some work to do.”

Anderson was not made available to the media after the game, though Grifol indicated he was not injured during the incident.