Abreu Appeals Controversial Suspension, Available for Astros Game 6
Houston Astros reliever Bryan Abreu will be available for Game 6 of the American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers on Sunday night.
But his status for a possible Game 7 is in doubt.
Abreu, the Astros and Major League Baseball met around 5 p.m. Sunday to determine what the next step would be for Abreu. At that time, Abreu informed the league that he intended to appeal the suspension.
That means that Abreu will be available to the Astros out of the bullpen on Sunday night.
But the drama isn’t over. Per multiple reports, MLB will hear Abreu’s appeal on Monday. If the Astros were to win Game 6 on Sunday, Abreu’s availability for a potential Game 7 with the Rangers wouldn’t be an issue.
But, if the Rangers win — and the Rangers have won both matchups at Minute Maid Park in Houston so far — Abreu might miss that game, pending MLB’s decision.
Abreu hit Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia with a fastball in the eighth inning of Game 5 on Friday night. Garcia took exception and the benches cleared, which resulted in the ejections of Abreu, Garcia and Astros manager Dusty Baker, who argued against Abreu’s ejection.
On Saturday, MLB handed down a two-game suspension against Abreu, saying that he intentionally hit Garcia. Baker and Garcia paid fines, as well as Rangers reliever Matt Bush and Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr.
If the Astros win Game 6, they will advance to the World Series for the fifth time in seven seasons. If the Rangers win, a decisive Game 7 will be played on Monday night in Houston.
2023 ALCS schedule (FOX/FS1)
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 (Astros lead series, 3-2)
Game 6: Sunday at Houston, 7:03 p.m. (FS1)
Game 7*: Monday at Houston, 7:03 p.m. (Fox/FS1)
*If necessary
