MLB Hands Out Suspensions After Brawl

Major League Baseball announced four suspensions on Thursday following a brawl that broke out during a game between the Washington Nationals and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Tuesday night.

Boston’s first baseman, Willson Contreras, and Washington’s pitcher, Cade Cavalli, each received seven-game suspensions along with fines for their involvement in the incident that occurred in the fourth inning.

The altercation started when Cavalli struck out Contreras and yelled, “Sit down, kid,” leading Contreras to charge the mound and throw his batting helmet at Cavalli, prompting both teams to clear the benches and bullpens.

Additionally, Nationals pitcher Miles Mikolas was suspended for five games, while Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton was suspended for three games, with both also facing undisclosed fines and ejections during the match.

All suspensions are set to begin on Friday. The Red Sox will be playing their third consecutive game in Anaheim, whereas the Nationals will host the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Interestingly, Boston seems to feel the impact will be more significant. Cavalli and Mikolas might only miss one rotation, yet Contreras will be absent from the lineup for an entire week.

Cavalli later expressed regret over his choice of words during the incident, acknowledging their historical significance and mentioning he had difficulty sleeping that night due to wanting to be a positive role model for young fans. In contrast, Contreras approached the game with heightened emotions, having been ejected the day before over a controversial check-swing call and also dealing with personal stress from a devastating earthquake back home in Venezuela.

If there is an appeal, the suspensions will be delayed until MLB completes its review process.