Abreu’s Controversial Suspension Upheld by MLB, How Does it Affect Astros?
Houston Astros reliever Bryan Abreu will be available to pitch in for Game 7 of the American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers on Monday night.
Abreu appealed the two-game suspension he was given for his role in a benches-clearing melee in the eighth inning of Game 5 of the series.
Abreu opted to appeal the suspension a couple of hours before the start of Game 6 of the series, after he, the Astros and Major League Baseball met. At that time, Abreu informed the league that he intended to appeal the suspension.
That made him available for Game 6 in relief. But it did not guarantee his availability for a potential Game 7, as MLB set the timeline for Abreu’s appeal for Monday.
Well, the appeal was heard and the suspension was upheld. Abreu will serve a two-game suspension, but it has been deferred to the start of the 2024 season. So Abreu is available out of the bullpen for Game 7 if the Astros need him.
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.
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 an Mitch Garver RBI single.
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
Game 6: Rangers 9, Astros 2 (series tied, 3-3)
Game 7: Monday at Houston, 7:03 p.m. (Fox/FS1)
*If necessary
