Major League Baseball suspends four players for their roles in a benches-clearing incident between the Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals at Fenway Park on Tuesday. MLB announces Thursday that Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli and Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras each receive seven-game suspensions for their involvement. MLB also hands down additional suspensions to Nationals right-hander Miles Mikolas, who is suspended for five games, and Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton, who is suspended for three games.
The incident follows a confrontation between players that escalates to a brawl requiring teammates to separate those involved. The Guardian reports Cavalli apologized for a remark that included the phrase “Sit down, boy,” which is described as having racial overtones. Both Cavalli and Contreras later face the disciplinary terms issued by MLB.
Separate coverage notes that Contreras apologizes for his actions and is appealing a seven-game suspension. He also previously addressed reporters in the context of the dispute and his All-Star snub.
