The Reds and Cardinals did not punch, but risked being hit hard by MLB after their benches were emptied in the fourth inning of their game Saturday in Cincinnati.
The incident occurred after Reds-outfielder Nick Castellanos scored on a wild pitch by dodging a tag from Cardinals-pitcher Jake Woodford. After being called safe, Castellanos put his mouth to Woodford for being hit earlier in the frame by a pitch to the shoulder from the right.
It led to the clearing of both banks and bullpens and quite a few players on the NL Central rivals who got in the eye and pushed each other with the Reds leading 7-2. The situation appears to be a direct violation of MLB’s COVID-19 protocols for this season regarding combat.
“Fighting and provoking combat is strictly prohibited.” read the protocols. “Players must not make physical contact with others for any reason, unless this occurs during normal and permitted game action. Violations of these rules will result in severe disciplinary action. “
Castellanos was the only player to be sent off. It’s unclear whether MLB will take further action, but it will certainly test how the league plans to enforce its COVID-19 protocols this season. The Reds won the game 9-6.
The league suspended Astros hitting coach Alex Cintron 20 games for instigating a brawl with the A’s last season and Oakland outfielder Ramon Laureano for six games before charging the dugout.