Nick Castellanos is suspended for Saturday’s brawl

New York. Cincinnati Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos was banned for two games and also fined for his involvement in a brawl on the field over the weekend.

This is the first sanction issued by Michael Hill in his new role as vice president of Major League Baseball activities.

Castellanos appealed the sentence to Special Assistant John McHale Jr. so that he will not lift the suspension while the appeal is pending.

According to MLB, Castellanos was penalized for his conduct in Saturday’s game against San Luis, citing “his aggressive response and instigating an incident that drained the banks.”

Castellanos, who hit a homerun on the opening day of the season and jumped enthusiastically when he dropped the bat, was hit by a pitch by Cardinals-pitcher Jake Woodford on Saturday. Castellanos picked up the ball and offered to give it back to Woodford before throwing it aside.

After a wild pitch, Castellanos ran from third base to score a run and got up to blow Woodford, who was hit by catcher Yadier Molina at home.

When Castellanos left, Molina arrived to pick him up, leading to the emptying of the banks and bullpens. Castellanos was expelled.

Molina was fined on Monday, as was St. Louis third baseman Nolan Arenado and pitcher Jordan Hicks. Two other Cincinnati players were fined: infielder Eugenio Suárez and outfielder Jesse Winker.

Hill, a former baseball chairman of the Miami Marlins, took over from Chris Young after just one season to succeed Joe Torre in the MLB disciplinary role. Young took over as general manager of the Texas Rangers.