Major League Baseball suspended Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson and Cleveland Guardians’ third baseman Jose Ramirez on Monday, following a high-profile altercation at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Saturday.
Anderson received a six-game suspension, while Ramirez was handed a three-game ban. According to an MLB press release, both players also received undisclosed fines for their on-field conduct. Anderson and Ramirez are appealing their penalties, and during this process, they will be allowed to play.
On Saturday, Ramirez hit a double, slipped into second base, and Anderson loomed over him, his glove on Ramirez’s back. Ramirez gestured toward Anderson as he got up, and the two exchanged words. Anderson then tossed his glove aside and threw a punch. The players escalated into a heated exchange, with Ramirez striking Anderson in the jaw, causing the White Sox player to fall to the ground.
Bench and bullpen cleared as chaos ensued. In the end, six ejections were made, including both managers – Terry Francona of the Guardians and Pedro Grifol of the White Sox.
On Monday, MLB suspended eight players, including Francona and Grifol, for one game and a fine that was not disclosed.
Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase was suspended for one game and fined, while Guardians outfielder Gabriel Arias and White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech were fined with undisclosed suspensions. Mike Sarbaugh, the Guardians’ third base coach, was also suspended for one game and fined.
Michael Hill, Senior Vice President of MLB, stated, “The suspensions of Anderson and Ramirez (Monday) would have been effective as the Guardians were set to host the Toronto Blue Jays and the White Sox were set to host the New York Yankees.” Field operations, as stated in a statement, “However, both Anderson and Ramirez have chosen to appeal. In this manner, their discipline will be held in abeyance until the process is complete.”
According to the league, Clase chose not to appeal and will serve his suspension on Monday. Grifol and Francona will serve their suspensions on Monday, completing their penalties, and Sarbaugh will complete his suspension on Tuesday.