Major League Baseball has finally responded to the White Sox-Guardians brawl.
In a press release issued on Monday, a combined eight members of the two teams have received discipline for their roles in the benches-clearing incident that occurred in the bottom of the sixth inning of Saturday night’s game. Michael Hill, Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President for On-Field Operations, made the announcement:
• White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson has received a six-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for fighting.
• Guardians third baseman José Ramírez has received a three-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for fighting.
• Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase has received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine.
• White Sox manager Pedro Grifol and Guardians manager Terry Francona have each received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine.
• Guardians third base coach Mike Sarbaugh has received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine.
• In addition, White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech and Guardians outfielder Gabriel Arias have each received an undisclosed fine.
The suspensions of Anderson and Ramírez had been scheduled to become effective tonight. However, both players have elected to appeal. Thus, the discipline issued to them will be held in abeyance until that process is complete and the two can play. Clase has elected not to appeal and will serve his discipline tonight.
Grifol and Francona must serve their respective suspensions tonight, while Sarbaugh will serve his suspension on Tuesday.
The incident in question occurred during the sixth inning of Saturday night’s White Sox-Guardians game. By the looks of it, Cleveland infielder Jose Ramirez didn’t seem to be pleased with how Anderson tagged him after hitting an RBI double. The two exchanged words and Ramirez can be seen pointing in Anderson’s face. Things escalated very quickly as the two squared up and traded several blows. Though Anderson landed the first few, Ramirez responded by knocking TA to the ground.
Both teams and their respective bullpens rushed out and were involved in one of the longest melees you’ll see nowadays. After the initial wave of fighting seemed to die down, several other rounds soon followed. White Sox manager Pedro Grifol was even seen getting into it with Cleveland third-base coach Mike Sarbaugh amidst the chaos.
When all was said and done, a lengthy meeting between umpires led to the ejections of Jose Ramirez, Tim Anderson, Cleveland reliever Emmanuel Clase, Cleveland third base coach Mike Sarbaugh, and both managers Terry Francona and Pedro Grifol.
Though Tim Anderson has not yet faced the media, he released a series of tweets on Sunday night that seemingly corresponded to the fight. Due to their explicit language, they can be viewed by clicking here or on the below article.
After the game, Jose Ramirez spoke with the media through the team’s translator and provided his reaction.
“I think he’s been disrespecting the game for a while. I even had the chance to tell him [earlier] during the game, ‘Don’t do this stuff. That’s disrespectful. Don’t start tagging people like that because, in reality, we’re here trying to find ways to provide for our families.’ And when he does things he does on the bases, he can get somebody out of the game.
“I was telling him to stop doing that, and then as soon as that play happened, he tagged me again really hard, more than needed. And then he had the reaction, he said I want to fight, and if you want to fight, I have to defend myself.”
– Cleveland Guardians infielder Jose Ramirez
Guardians manager Terry Francona also had this to say on the matter.
“I think [Grifol] was more yelling at me, and then I kind of yelled back. I think I got ejected because of what I did [Friday] night. … When you’re my age, you’re just trying to help. I didn’t appreciate the fact that I thought Anderson, once he had 11-12 guys between them, that’s when he started [yelling]. And then I said something to him. That’s probably what their manager was yelling around. But it’s hard to let somebody speak to you like that and not say anything. That’s emotions.”
– Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona
In the White Sox clubhouse, Pedro Grifol was asked for his comments but didn’t offer much.
“I’m not going to comment on it. I’m going to let MLB figure it out, do their investigation and watch the video. They have some work to do.”
– White Sox manager Pedro Grifol
As we learn additional information, we will continue to provide further updates.
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Featured Photo: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports