Major League Baseball announced their decisions following the brawl between the Orioles and Royals earlier this week. The league has suspended Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura nine games, and Orioles third baseman Manny Machado four games for the scuffle. Machado was also fined $2,500, while Ventura's fined has not been revealed. Both players are appealing the suspensions.
The Royals had Thursday off, but Machado was in the Orioles' lineup against the Blue Jays. Ventura is dealing with a situation like this for the second straight year. He was suspended seven games last season following an altercation with the White Sox.
Orioles manager Buck Showalter expressed his displeasure in Machado's punishment, stating "it's just kind of tough when you have to play short because of something that someone else kind of got going." That "someone" he is referring to would be Ventura.
The Royals' right-hander nearly hit Machado in the second inning on Tuesday, and then hit him with a 99 mph pitch in the sixth, which started the melee. Machado did get the smaller punishment since his was more of a reaction.
The O's do not expect his appeal to be heard this weekend, and they can't really afford to be down another player. They are already with shortstop J.J. Hardy, who is out with a broken foot. The third baseman said it as if it was a no-brainer to fight the suspension, saying "they came up with a decision and obviously I'm going to appeal it."
Machado has been suspended one other time in his career. He was banned five games in 2014 for throwing his bat toward third base after an inside pitch was called strike three. He appealed that one, but it was upheld. The young star has been leading the Orioles' offense this season, batting .303 with 15 homers and 37 RBIs.
Kansas City next plays tonight against the Chicago White Sox. Ventura is scheduled to start on Monday. The appeal is not likely to be heard by then, making the KC pitcher eligible to start.
The Royals had Thursday off, but Machado was in the Orioles' lineup against the Blue Jays. Ventura is dealing with a situation like this for the second straight year. He was suspended seven games last season following an altercation with the White Sox.
Orioles manager Buck Showalter expressed his displeasure in Machado's punishment, stating "it's just kind of tough when you have to play short because of something that someone else kind of got going." That "someone" he is referring to would be Ventura.
The Royals' right-hander nearly hit Machado in the second inning on Tuesday, and then hit him with a 99 mph pitch in the sixth, which started the melee. Machado did get the smaller punishment since his was more of a reaction.
The O's do not expect his appeal to be heard this weekend, and they can't really afford to be down another player. They are already with shortstop J.J. Hardy, who is out with a broken foot. The third baseman said it as if it was a no-brainer to fight the suspension, saying "they came up with a decision and obviously I'm going to appeal it."
Machado has been suspended one other time in his career. He was banned five games in 2014 for throwing his bat toward third base after an inside pitch was called strike three. He appealed that one, but it was upheld. The young star has been leading the Orioles' offense this season, batting .303 with 15 homers and 37 RBIs.
Kansas City next plays tonight against the Chicago White Sox. Ventura is scheduled to start on Monday. The appeal is not likely to be heard by then, making the KC pitcher eligible to start.
