Major League Baseball announced four suspensions on Thursday following a brawl between the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Tuesday night.
Boston’s first baseman, Willson Contreras, and Washington’s starter, Cade Cavalli, each received seven-game suspensions and undisclosed fines for their involvement in the fourth-inning confrontation.
The altercation occurred during Washington’s 8-1 victory. Tensions rose when Cavalli struck out Contreras on a full-count pitch, yelled “Sit down, boy,” prompting Contreras to charge the mound and throw his batting helmet toward Cavalli. This action led to both teams’ benches and bullpens emptying.
MLB also penalized two additional players; Nationals right-hander Miles Mikolas received a five-game suspension, and Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton got a three-game ban. Both were ejected during the game and fined undisclosed amounts.
All four suspensions will start on Friday. The Red Sox will begin a three-game series in Anaheim, while the Nationals will face the Pittsburgh Pirates. Boston may feel the absence more critically, as Contreras will be out of the lineup for a full week.
Cavalli later expressed regret for using the term “boy,” acknowledging its historical implications. The incident has given him pause, as he considers the influence he has on younger fans. Nationals officials have also addressed the matter with him.
Contreras, who faced ejection the night before for contesting a checked-swing call, has been dealing with stress related to major earthquakes in his native Venezuela.
Any appeals by the players would delay the suspensions until the MLB review process concludes.