Texas Rangers’ Adolis Garcia (53) is restrained by home plate umpire Marvin Hudson as he yells at Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado after being hit by a pitch thrown by relief pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) during the eighth inning in Game 5 of the baseball American League Championship Series Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.
Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
Abreu, the standout reliever for the Houston Astros over the past two seasons, was ejected from Friday’s Game 5 victory in Arlington after hitting Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia with a pitch. The MLB league office has since suspended Abreu for two games, but he has appealed the decision, which will be heard before a potential Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Monday. If the Astros advance and make it to the World Series, Abreu will begin serving his suspension during Game 1 on Friday.
Astros manager Dusty Baker provided details about Abreu’s appeal process ahead of Game 6. He mentioned a meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. CT that will involve Abreu, Astros representatives, members of the MLB league office, and the MLB Players’ Association.
“There’s a meeting at 5 p.m., that’s all I’ve been told, with the powers that be, our people, their people, MLB, Players Association,” said Baker during his press conference. “I’m not a lawyer. Even though my mom wanted me to be a lawyer, that’s too much school. So it’s in the hands of the lawyers.”
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Baker did not reveal how the bullpen plan would change if Abreu’s suspension is upheld. Losing Abreu would be a significant blow to the Astros’ late-inning strategy, as he has been a reliable and effective reliever. In the regular season, Abreu had a streak of 27 consecutive scoreless appearances and has only allowed one earned run in the playoffs. Without Abreu, the Astros’ bullpen loses one of their top options.
There are also concerns about the overall depth of the Astros’ bullpen. Closer Ryan Pressly pitched in high-stress situations in Game 5, leaving Hector Neris as the only other trusted late-game reliever. While rookies Hunter Brown, Phil Maton, and Rafael Montero have shown potential, they are not at the same level as Pressly and Abreu. Without Abreu, the Astros’ bullpen may not be as dominant.
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Despite the potential suspension, Game 6 of the ALCS will proceed as scheduled, with Framber Valdez taking the mound for the Astros and Nathan Eovaldi pitching for the Rangers.
