MLB HAS SUSPENDED ASTROS STAR…

In a recent development, Major League Baseball (MLB) has maintained the two-game suspension for Bryan Abreu, the standout reliever for the Houston Astros, who hit Adolis García of the Texas Rangers with a pitch during Game 5 of the American League Championship Series. However, Abreu will only serve the suspension in the upcoming 2024 regular season, as reported by Ken Rosenthal, an MLB insider for FOX Sports.

The incident occurred in the bottom of the eighth inning when Abreu threw a 99 mph fastball at García, who had earlier hit a crucial three-run home run off Justin Verlander. García expressed immediate dissatisfaction with the hit-by-pitch, exchanging words with Astros catcher Martín Maldonado. This led to both benches and bullpens clearing, although no physical altercations ensued. Teammates, including the Astros’ Yordan Álvarez, intervened to separate García from Maldonado and Abreu.

The ejections of Abreu, García, and Astros manager Dusty Baker followed. Baker, visibly displeased with the umpires’ decision that Abreu intentionally targeted García, argued that the incident occurred with a runner on base and no outs in the eighth inning, with the Astros trailing by two. Despite the controversy, Houston eventually triumphed 5-4, thanks to Jose Altuve’s three-run home run in the top of the ninth inning.

Abreu, who initially faced suspension during the series’ travel day on Saturday, appealed the ruling and subsequently pitched in Game 6, conceding a run in one inning. During this game, he faced García again and struck him out. The Rangers emerged victorious in Game 6 with a score of 9-2, highlighted by García’s grand slam in the ninth inning. Throughout the series, Baker and several Astros players have consistently maintained that Abreu did not intentionally hit García