There’s some news to report from Tropicana Field ahead of the series finale between the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays.
Major League Baseball announced that Blue Jays pitcher Genesis Cabrera has been suspended for three games for his role in an altercation that prompted the benches to clear in Saturday’s game between Toronto and Tampa Bay. Cabrera is appealing the suspension and will be able to pitch until there’s a final decision made.
Cabrera came in to pitch for the Blue Jays in the seventh inning and got into a shoving match with Jose Caballero after he made it from first to third base on a bunt attempt that was thrown into the outfield. After the game, Cabrera said through the team’s interpreter: “It was more the heat of the moment. I think I kind of overreacted a little bit. He looked at me and I just reacted.”
The Blue Jays also announced on Sunday morning that shortstop Bo Bichette was scratched from the lineup because of neck spasms. Through Toronto’s first three games this season, Bichette has gone 2-for-12 with a double, one walk, and two strikeouts.
Ernie Clement, who went 2-for-4 in his first start of the season on Saturday, will bat sixth and play short in Bichette’s absence. George Springer will be the designated hitter after playing the first three games of the series in the outfield, so Justin Turner will start at third base and Isiah Kiner-Falefa will slide over to second.
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