Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

MLB makes big decision on Astros reliever's suspension appeal

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 10/23/23

Major League Baseball has made its final ruling on Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu’s suspension, and the news is overall fairly good for him and the Astros.

The league announced Monday that Abreu’s two-game suspension will be upheld, but he will not have to serve it until the start of the 2024 regular season. That means that the reliever will be available for the remainder of the postseason, including for Monday’s ALCS Game 7.

A decision has been rendered by the arbitrator regarding the appeal for Bryan Abreu’s discipline. His two-game suspension has been upheld, and it will be served during the first two games to begin MLB’s 2024 season. #ALCS #Postseason

— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) October 23, 2023

Abreu was suspended after the league determined that he intentionally threw at Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia in Game 5. The Astros hotly disputed whether the pitch was intentional, pointing out that it would have made no sense for Abreu to throw at Garcia at that point in a vital playoff game.

The ultimate decision on the suspension comes as something of a compromise. MLB ultimately upheld the umpires’ determination that the pitch was intentional, but by delaying the suspension until 2024, Abreu’s lack of availability will not impact the outcome of a playoff series. The Astros are unlikely to be completely satisfied with this, but they will at least have Abreu in the bullpen as long as they remain in the postseason.

Abreu is a key piece in the back of the Houston bullpen, posting a 1.75 ERA over 72 regular season appearances.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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