David Ortiz vs Kevin Gregg Fight Leads to MLB Suspensions

After enjoying all of the memorable All-Star festivities this week, Major League Baseball officials went back to business on Thursday. MLB decided to suspend David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox and Kevin Gregg of the Baltimore Orioles for four games because of what turned out to be a very ugly incident.

Before the All-Star break kicked-off, Ortiz and Gregg had an altercation in the eighth inning of their July 8th game, which made the MLB take action. It all started after Gregg threw two inside pitches to “Big Papi”. After the second inside pitch was thrown, Ortiz began to walk towards Gregg and as a result, both teams cleared the benches. Somehow the players went back to their positions, so Ortiz could finish the at-bat, which resulted in a pop-out. Gregg then yelled something to Ortiz, which caused him to charge the mound in full force causing quite the uproar at Fenway Park.

After the brawl, Gregg did not seem very apologetic about the incident and even tried to explain his actions.

“I think you show them that we’re not backing down. We’re not scared of them — them and their $180 million payroll,” he said. “We have just as much right to play the game here and we’re going to do everything we can to win.”

Along with the suspension and fine of $2,500 for both players, fellow teammates and coaches also received some discipline from the league including Boston catcher Jarrod Saltalamachhia and Orioles reliever Jim Johnson.  The Red Sox seem to be taking the news in stride, while Gregg and the Orioles are not happy about it.

“You break down the situation. He actually came out at me twice. I defended myself. To get the same time, suspension, I don’t agree with it,’’ Gregg said. “That’s why I am appealing it.’’

Well the Orioles, didn’t do much to help their situation after pitcher Mike Gonzalez intentionally threw a pitch behind Ortiz just two days after the brawl. Gonzalez got hit with a three-game suspension.

The Red Sox will start the second half of the season tonight against the Tampa Bay Rays, while the Orioles host the Cleveland Indians.