The Reds and Cardinals didn’t punch, but they risk being hit hard by MLB after their banks moved away during the fourth half of Saturday’s game in Cincinnati.
The incident came after Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos scored on a wild field avoiding a card from Cardinals player Jake Woodford. After being called up safely, Castellanos hit Woodford because he had been hit by a pitch in the right shoulder earlier in the frame.
It led to the clearing of both the banks and the bullpens and a large number of players from rivals NL Central coming in front of each other and pushing 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 in terms of fights.
“Fighting and inciting fighting are strictly forbidden.” read protocols. “Players must not make physical contact with others for any reason, unless it takes place in a normal and permitted action of the game. Violation of these rules will lead to severe discipline. “
Castellanos was the only player sent off. It is unclear whether MLB will take further action, but it will certainly test how the league intends to implement its COVID-19 protocols this season. The Reds won the game 9-6.
The league suspended Astros, hitting coach Alex Cintron for 20 games because he instigated a fight with A last season and on Oakland field, Ramon Laureano, six games because he loaded the road.