An Oakland Athletics staffer holds back right fielder Ramon Laureano during the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at the Oakland Coliseum. Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Ramon Laureano starts A’s-Astros brawl after getting plunked

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 8/9/20

The Houston Astros were involved in another bench-clearing incident Sunday, this time after Oakland Athletics outfielder Ramon Laureano took offense to being hit by a pitch.

In the bottom of the seventh of Sunday’s game, Laureano was hit by a pitch for the second time in the game. Even though the pitch seemed to be a breaking ball, Laureano exchanged words with pitcher Humberto Castellanos. The Oakland outfielder then got into it with the Houston dugout before charging and clearing the benches.

Laureano was getting into it with Astros hitting coach Alex Cintron pic.twitter.com/fM0svxLlZ7

— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) August 9, 2020

Dustin Garneau just…took Ramón down pic.twitter.com/hdlVrY5y9o

— Shayna Rubin (@ShaynaRubin) August 9, 2020

It appeared that Laureano was being taunted and goaded by Houston hitting coach Alex Cintron before the Athletics outfielder charged the dugout.

Major League Baseball has said it will come down hard against on-field brawls, as they inherently violate the league’s health and safety protocols. That is at least partially why Joe Kelly got such a hefty suspension for his actions against the Astros a week and a half ago. Laureano may be in line for a significant suspension, and Alex Cintron may land in hot water for provoking him as well.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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