Astros’ Bryan Abreu fined and SUSPENDED for intentionally throwing pitch at Adolis Garcia in ALCS Game 5

Following his pitch which stuck Adolis Garcia in ALCS Game 5, pitcher Bryan Abreu has been handed a two game suspension and fined for intentionally hitting the Rangers hitter.

Astros’ Bryan Abreu fined and SUSPENDED for intentionally throwing pitch at Adolis Garcia in ALCS Game 5

Bryan Abreu (L) and Adolis Garcia (R) [Pic Credit: X/AP]

The American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 5 between rivals – the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers exploded to life. Multiple three-run home runs, strange reactions, and a huge brawl highlighted this game. While the Astros eventually ended up winning the game, they will now play without their relief pitcher, Bryan Abreu, for two games. The league fined and suspended Abreu.

Abreu’s pitch in the eighth inning stuck Rangers’ star man Adolis Garcia. The hitter became unhappy with his actions and exchanged harsh words with Astros’ catcher Martin Maldonado. This saw the benches being cleared for the second time this year in a game between these two sides. After the game, the Rangers accused Abreu of “intentionally hitting” Garcia.

After the game, several debates sparked up on this matter. This occurred after Garcia crushed a three-run bomb and celebrated wildly. The MLB soon conducted an investigation into the matter. They deemed Abreu guilty, which led to a fine and his suspension.

Michael Hill, the league’s VP of On-Field operations, announced this decision. He claimed that this decision was taken in consideration of the dangerous nature of the pitch and for the potential safety of the player.

What did Bryan Abreu say in his defence and what can he do now?

The knockout phases are types of games that no player wants to miss. Unfortunately for Bryan Abreu, he will have to miss two games for the Houston Astros. He and his team, though, can appeal this suspension.

Bryan Abreu
Bryan Abreu (Pic Credit: Houston Chronicle)

Speaking on the pitch, the relief pitcher caught Garcia with a fastball above the body. He was ejected from the game after this moment. Abreu claimed he wanted to throw a slider but got the ball a bit too high. This is what he said:

My plan was to get the ball up and in, then slider down and away. I just missed the pitch.
Bryan Abreu said via MLB.com.

He will be allowed to remain a part of the active roster and can pitch in the postseason during the appeal. If the player and his team do not choose to challenge this decision, his suspension will begin in Game 6 of the ALCS.

The Astros, on the other hand, would be looking to wrap up the series with a home win against the Rangers in Game 6. If they emerge victorious, they will head to their third consecutive World Series appearance and look to defend their title.

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