Major League Baseball has handed Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu for "intentionally" throwing at Adolís Garcia during the eighth inning of the Astros game five win over the Rangers on Friday, Michael Hill, MLB’s Senior Vice President for On-Field Operations announced.
"In assessing the matter, Major League Baseball took into account the dangerous nature of the pitch and its potential impact on player safety," Hill said in a release.
Abreu hit Garcia in his first at bat following his sixth inning three-run homer off Justin Verlander, and he was ejected after all six umpires on the field deemed the pitch intentional, which Abreu denied after the game. Garcia was also ejected for his reaction, which led to both benches clearing. He was fined for that action, but was not handed a suspension.
Abreu's suspension will take effect immediately, though he can appeal. Under Major League Baseball rules any appeal on a suspension levied in the postseason must be heard within 48 hours, so while the Astros pitcher will likely be able to finish the ALCS, he could face a suspension in the World Series if the team advances and the suspension is upheld.
Astros manager Dusty Baker, who was also ejected, was fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball, as were Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr and Rangers pitcher Matt Bush. Both players are not active and will not be permitted to sit on their respective benches for the remainder of the ALCS.