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 Five of the American League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on October 20, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Houston reliever Bryan Abreu has appealed the two-game suspension Major League Baseball gave him for what the league said was intentionally throwing at Adolis Garcia of the Texas Rangers during Game 5 of the AL Championship Series.
Because of the appeal, Abreu will be eligible to pitch in Game 6 on Sunday night, when the Astros can advance to the World Series for a third straight season with a win. His hearing will be held in the next 48 hours.
MLB said Saturday that all six umpires decided Abreu’s pitch was intentional. MLB said it “took into account the dangerous nature of the pitch and its potential impact on player safety.”
The right-hander's pitch started a benches-clearing incident that led to a 12-minute delay before play resumed.
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Abreu, who was also fined for the incident, is one of Houston's top relievers and has a 1.42 ERA in seven appearances this postseason.
If the suspension is upheld and the Astros remain in the postseason, they would have to play a player short, with 25 men on their roster instead of 26.
