Astros' Bryan Abreu eligible for ALCS decider, set to serve suspension in 2024 season

Much of the talk during the ALCS has been the news surrounding Bryan Abreu. The 26-year-old relief pitcher, who was handed a two-game suspension after hitting Adolis Garcia with a ball, was able to play Game 6 of the matchup against the Texas Rangers while appealing the punishment.

"Bryan Abreu’s two-game suspension has been upheld. He will serve it at the beginning of the 2024 season. He is available tonight." - @Chandler_Rome

Now, the Houston Astros and MLB fans have received clarity about Bryan Abreu's suspension, however, it won't take place until next season. According to MLB Insider Chandler Rome, Abreu will serve his two-game at the beginning of the 2024 season and will remain eligible to pitch on Monday night's Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.

There was much discussion surrounding the suspension handed out to the Houston Astros flamethrower. Some felt that there was no reason that the pitcher should be suspended at all, however, others were confused that he was allowed to pitch at all on Sunday night during Game 6.

After Abreu appealed the two-game suspension, the arbitrator elected to uphold the relief pitcher's punishment. However, in what turned out to be a major victory for the Houston Astros, Abreu will serve those two games at the beginning of the 2024 regular season.

What led to Bryan Abreu's two-game suspension?

The incident in question occurred during Game 5 of the American League Championship Series when it was determined that Abreu intentionally threw a pitch at Texas Rangers slugger Adolis Garcia.

"Players from the Astros and Rangers discuss the intentions of Bryan Abreu's pitch that hit Adolis Garcia before the benches cleared" - @MLBONFOX

The hard-hitting outfielder of the Texas Rangers crushed a mammoth three-run home run and seemingly celebrated excessively, which did not go over well with the Houston Astros. The next time he came to the plate, Garcia came face to face with Abreu, who hit him in the arm, causing both dugouts to clear.