Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu was ejected from their win over the Texas Rangers Friday evening after hitting Adolis Garcia. Umpires on hand deemed that it was intentional after Garcia celebrated following a three-run homer against Justin Verlander earlier in the game.
Abreu had appealed the suspension ahead of Game 6 on Sunday. At that point, MLB announced that he could play in said game and would hear the appeal within 48 hours.
The league annnounced ahead of Game 7 of the ALCS Monday evening that Abreu’s suspension has been upheld. Though, it comes with a caveat. He’ll serve said suspension to open the 2024 regular season, meaning that Abreu is available to pitch in the win-or-go-home game Monday night.
“A decision has been rendered by the arbitrator regarding the appeal for Bryan Abreu’s discipline,” MLB announced in a press release. “His two-game suspension has been upheld, and it will be served during the first two games to begin MLB’s 2024 season.”
This is no small decision from Houston’s perspective. Abreu has been among the most-dominant pitchers on its staff throughout the entire 2023 season.
Bryan Abreu stats (2023): 3-2 record, 1.75 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 12.5 K’s per nine
Abreu, 26, was ejected along with Astros manager Dusty Baker following the incident Friday night. It came within the broader construct of a 5-4 Houston win to take a 3-2 series lead over Texas.
The youngster took to the bump Sunday night in a 9-2 loss, giving up a run and two hits in an inning of work.