Miguel Cabrera Gets Seven-Game Suspension, Sanchez Four For Fighting

Miguel Cabrera was hit with a seven-game suspension for what MLB said was “inciting the first bench-clearing incident” between the Yankees and Tigers on Thursday, while Yankee catcher Gary Sanchez got a four-game penalty for throwing punches.

 

“I stand behind what I said after,” Romine told reporters. “There was a lot of emotions going on. There was an instigation and some stuff that he was trying to do. It’s hard to say. Again, I’ve got to stick with the appeal process and we’ll see how it plays.”

Also suspended were Tigers righthander Alex Wilson, who got a four-game suspension for “intentionally throwing a pitch” at the Yankees’ Todd Frazier while warnings were in place for both sides. Tigers manager Brad Ausmus was also suspended a game.

The discipline was handed down Friday by MLB chief baseball officer Joe Torre. Sanchez was listed in the Yankees’ lineup for a game against the Mariners and said he’ll appeal the suspension. Backup catcher Austin Romine, involved in the scuffle with Cabrera, received a two-game suspension, and said he’ll appeal as well.

Not suspended, but hit with undisclosed fines were Yankees manager Joe Girardi, Yankees bench coach Rob Thomson, Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, Yankees righthander Tommy Kahnle and Tigers shortstop José Iglesias. In addition, Yankees first baseman Garrett Cooper and outfielder Clint Frazier received fines for entering the field while being on the disabled list.

Not fined or suspended was Dellin Betances, who hit Tigers catcher James McCann in the helmet with a 98-mph fastball in the seventh inning after warnings had been given. Betances, who has struggled with command this season, insisted the ball got away from him and his ejection led to the ejection of Thomson, who objected to Betances’ ejection.