Toronto Blue Jays reliever Génesis Cabrera was suspended three games and fined for instigating a benches-clearing incident after pushing Tampa Bay Rays infielder José Caballero during the seventh inning of Saturday's game, MLB announced Sunday.
TEMPERS ARE HOT AT THE TROP 🍿 pic.twitter.com/PA0pmzpxGb
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 30, 2024
Cabrera, who was ejected for his actions, will be available to pitch while's he's appealing the suspension.
"I will say it was more like the heat of the moment," Cabrera said postgame through a translator, according to Fred Goodall of The Associated Press. "I mean, I think we all kind of overreact a little bit. ... He kind of looked at me and I just react. ... It's part of the game sometimes, but it's over with. It's where it ends, right there."
Caballero acknowledged that he was confused by the whole situation.
"I saw the ball in the bullpen and started running," Caballero said. "The coach is waving at me to go to third. When I got to third, I see (Bo) Bichette had the ball already, so I gave myself up. I'm kind of slowing down and Cabrera comes out of nowhere and kind of tags me. But there's no play, I'm already out.
"I just asked him, why did you push me? He didn't say a word. He just came up to me and pushed me again."
The Blue Jays and Rays finish up the four-game series Sunday.
