One Game All Odor Could Coax Out of MLB

There are several reasons why the higher-ups at Major League Baseball might've done what they did on Thursday, but as of now, there has been no explanation released by the league as to what went into its thinking in reducing Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor's suspension from eight games to seven.

The decision came as a bit of a surprise, as suspensions are typically reduced by more of a percentage than that when they're appealed. We figured Odor's original eight games might've been reduced to five games — at worst, six. Turns out, seven was the decision and a few factors could've gone into that.

First, the obvious: The punch landed, and it landed firmly and squarely. If it wasn't such a vicious right cross from Odor to Jose Bautista's mug, would the suspension have been as serious?

Second: Was MLB fed up with Odor's response the day after the incident when he said he didn't regret what he did? Even if he didn't mean it, a little contrition might've appeased the league a little bit. But Odor didn't give it, and I guess, to some extent, you have to love him for that.

Third: Odor is quickly building a reputation around the league — fair or not — of being a "dirty player." This could've been a message to the 22-year-old to straigten up a bit.

Regardless of the reason, the Rangers had to expect a greater reduction of the suspension than just one game. But that's the hand the Rangers and Odor were dealt, so now Odor will be eligible to play on Sunday June 5 for the series finale against the Mariners.

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