MLB suspends Yordano Ventura nine games, Manny Machado four games, for bench-clearing brawl

(photo credit: Getty Images)

Major League Baseball has handed down punishments for the actions of Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, and Kansas City Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura in the game between Baltimore and Kansas City on Tuesday.

Machado was suspended four games and fined $2,500 for punching Ventura, after he was hit with a pitch. Ventura was suspended nine games, and he was fined an undisclosed for his actions during the fight. Both players will appeal their punishments, which means they are still eligible to play until the MLB makes a ruling. 

During the second inning of Tuesday’s game between the Orioles and the Royals, Ventura threw two pitches inside at Machado, and the Orioles third baseman was clearly upset, as he told Ventura something as he was walking back to the dugout. Then when Machado came up to bat again, Ventura hit Machado in the back with a 99 MPH fastball.

 Machado then immediately charged the mound and punched Ventura. Shortly after, both benches cleared and a brawl ensued. Both Machado and Ventura were ejected after the fight was over. With the nine game suspension, Ventura will only have to miss one start. The Orioles will miss their star shortstop, as Machado will likely end up missing an entire series.

This year, Machado has a batting average of .303, and he has slugged 15 home runs this season. Baltimore will likely start Paul Janish while Machado serves his suspension. Ventura has seemed to develop a knack for igniting bench-clearing brawls. In April 2015, 

Ventura received a seven game suspension, after he started a kerfuffle with the Chicago White Sox.

 Last June, Ventura stared down Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout after a play at the plate, which caused a bench-clearing skirmish. Ventura was fined in 2015 for hitting then Oakland Athletics third baseman Brett Lawrie. 

Ventura has a 5.32 ERA this year, with an American League high 35 walks. The MLB saw a similar situation earlier this year, when Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor punched Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista, after he slid hard into Odor.