Reds outfielder Nicholas Castellanos was handed a short ban from MLB for his role in a … fracas? disturbance? … over the weekend in a game vs. the Cardinals.
Per MLB’s release: Castellanos received “an undisclosed fine for his aggressive actions and for instigating a benches-clearing incident” during Saturday afternoon’s game. Castellanos flexed over Cardinals pitcher Jake Woodford after scoring on a wild pitch.
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The outfielder didn’t throw any punches and the only things hurt were feelings, but MLB decided that Castellanos was still deserving of a short suspension.
On the other side, Woodford, who some thought purposely tossed at Castellanos, did not get any games for (maybe?) intentionally throwing at him.
Even if a suspension seems a little soft, there was a reason for it.
Why did Nicholas Castellanos get suspended?
The Reds’ outfielder was handed a two-game suspension for his role in starting a bench-clearing brawl dust-up with the Cardinals on Saturday.
While no punches were thrown, Castellanos inciting the fracas is in violation of the 2021 MLB health and safety protocols, as the league continues to try to play it safe within the COVID pandemic:
Castellanos is appealing the decision, but expect it to be upheld. The suspension is scheduled to begin tonight.
Cardinals pitcher Jake Woodford didn’t receive a suspension for hitting Castellanos with a pitch earlier. Several players, including Nolan Arenado, Jordan Hicks, Yadier Molina, Eugenio Suarez and Jesse Winker received fines for their roles in the incident.
