It turns out Jose Ramirez won’t have to sit out for that long.
Following a wild brawl last Saturday in 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 two games after an appeal.
The suspension will be served during Cleveland’s weekend series against the Rays, and Ramirez will 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 instead of three. We got the final verdict this morning.”
Anderson, meanwhile, who seemed to instigate the melee on Aug. 5, was suspended six games for his role in 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 two infielders began throwing punches after Anderson took issue with how Ramirez slid into second base.
Ramirez knocked Anderson down after the Chicago shortstop failed to connect on a few blows.
The Cleveland third baseman later expressed sorrow for his actions in the fight.
Ramirez said he “deeply regret what happened” and called Anderson a “very good baseball player.”
“Everyone who knows me, knows well I’m not somebody who’s out there looking for trouble,” Ramirez said. “It’s been part of my personality and behavior to give 100% everyday at the field to help my team and trying to be an example for the younger players on my team. I want to reiterate apologies for my behavior and as always my goal is to help my team to win and reach the postseason.
“I want to thank everybody in my organization, my teammates and all my fans for their support during this process.”
According to Ramirez, his efforts to make amends with Anderson fell on deaf ears, as the Guardians star said that he had not received a response from the Chicago shortstop.