Reds reliever Amir Garrett suspended seven games for 'inciting' incident with Cubs
Cincinnati Reds reliever Amir Garrett has been suspended seven games and fined an undisclosed amount for inciting a benches-clearing brawl with the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, Major League Baseball announced, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers.
Garrett is appealing his suspension and will be eligible to play until the process is complete. Cubs shortstop Javier Baez was also fined an undisclosed amount for his role in the incident.
Garrett pounded his chest, screamed and walked toward Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo after striking him out in the top of the eighth inning.
Baez and the Cubs took issue with Garrett, which caused the benches to clear. No punches were thrown, but MLB is trying to eliminate these situations, especially because of COVID-19.
Garrett's suspension comes after Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos was suspended two games for a separate on-field brawl against the St. Louis Cardinals last month.
Reds manager David Bell said after the game that he thought the Cubs misinterpreted Garrett's actions, according to Rogers.
"I really don't know what happened with their team,'' Bell said. "This is an emotional game, and Amir has been struggling. I know Amir was talking to himself. He was emotional. I think they misinterpreted it. That's what I saw. It is very difficult to stay good in this game. I know we try our best to not be concerned with how the other team reacts."
Garrett certainly has struggled this season. The left-hander is 0-1 with a 10.38 ERA and seven strikeouts in 8.2 innings. His reaction to striking out Rizzo was likely out of joy amid a rough start.
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