Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz has been suspended four games by Major League Baseball for his role in an altercation with Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kevin Gregg, who was also suspended four games, during a game between the two clubs last Friday. Here's how it went down.
Ortiz had alleged that Gregg had tried to hit him during an eighth-inning at-bat, causing the benches to clear before cooler heads briefly prevailed. Then when Ortiz ultimately flied out on a 3-0 count in a 10-3 game, Gregg began yelling at Ortiz, and the DH charged the mound, fists flying, while players from both sides emptied the benches and bullpens to meet again along the first-base line. (via WEEI)
Ortiz' suspension will begin on Friday when the Red Sox face the Tampa Bay Rays while Gregg's suspension begins on Thursday night, barring appeals from either player.
In addition, Orioles reliever Mike Gonzalez was suspended three games after allegedly attempting to retaliate by throwing at Ortiz in their game last Sunday. O's manager Buck Showalter was also suspended one game for the stunt.
John Lackey and Jarrod Saltalamacchia were both fined - Lackey for throwing at Derek Lee on Saturday and Saltalamacchia for participating in the Friday brawl.
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