It seems Jose Ramirez won’t have to take a seat out for that long.
Following a wild brawl last Saturday through which Ramirez landed a well-placed right hook in a fight with White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson, the Guardians’ third baseman had his suspension cut down from three to 2 games after an appeal.
The suspension shall be served during Cleveland’s weekend series against the Rays, and Ramirez shall be out for Saturday and Sunday’s games.
“Not having him for 10 minutes isn’t fun, let alone two (games),” Guardians manager Terry Francona said before Saturday’s game with the Rays. “But I’m glad it’s two as a substitute of three. We got the ultimate verdict this morning.”
Anderson, meanwhile, who looked as if it would instigate the melee on Aug. 5, was suspended six games for his role within the fight.
Though the suspension was doled out two days after the brawl, Ramirez continued to play this week until his appeal was heard.
The 2 infielders began throwing punches after Anderson took issue with how Ramirez slid into second base.
Ramirez knocked Anderson down after the Chicago shortstop did not connect on a number of blows.
The Cleveland third baseman later expressed sorrow for his actions within the fight.
Ramirez said he “deeply regret what happened” and called Anderson a “superb baseball player.”
“Everyone who knows me, knows well I’m not someone who’s on the market in search of trouble,” Ramirez said. “It’s been a part of my personality and behavior to present 100% on a regular basis at the sphere to assist my team and attempting to be an example for the younger players on my team. I need to reiterate apologies for my behavior and as at all times my goal is to assist my team to win and reach the postseason.
“I need to thank everybody in my organization, my teammates and all my fans for his or her support during this process.”
In response to Ramirez, his efforts to make amends with Anderson fell on deaf ears, because the Guardians star said that he had not received a response from the Chicago shortstop.