Manny Machado Suspended 4 Games

By Bill Pivetz | Jun 9, 2016

Jun 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado (13) flips his bat after hitting a three run home run during the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Baltimore Orioles defeated Boston Red Sox 12-7. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

After the brawl with Yordano Ventura, MLB officials suspend Orioles shortstop Manny Machado for four games. He is expected to appeal the ruling.

The Baltimore Orioles may be without their star shortstop for a few games. After his involvement in the bench-clearing brawl on Tuesday, MLB announced that Manny Machado will be suspended for four games and fined $2,500. While he is appealing the ruling, any time Machado misses has a big fantasy impact.

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Machado is in the middle of the best season in his short career. He is hitting .303 with 15 home runs and 37 RBI. While he doesn’t have any steals, the increase in power, batting average and shortstop eligibility more than makes up for it.

He is currently ranked No. 30 overall on the Player Rater and No. 19 among hitters. He is becoming more patient at the plate, 25 walks with only 47 strikeouts, which is contributing to his .375 on-base percentage.

Manny Machado has been suspended four games and Yordano Ventura expected about 8 game suspension https://t.co/okCNLAjl4K via @USATODAY
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 9, 2016

During the appeal, Manny Machado will be able to play in the four-game series against division rival Toronto Blue Jays starting Thursday. So if you own him, start him.

The big impact is going to be if the suspension is upheld. You obviously still keep Machado on your roster, but there likely isn’t anyone on your bench or waiver wire that can match his production over those four days. There are some players that can give you something in the meantime.

Adam Duvall is still somehow available in 24 percent of ESPN leagues. If you need infield help, Eduardo Nunez hit four home runs in his last six games.

Next: Analyzing xBABIP Part 3

The appeal hearing will take place sometime next week. We won’t know anything until then, so keep your ears open for any news regarding a suspension. As for Ventura, he isn’t pitching well enough to warrant any reaction. He is owned in 50 percent of leagues, but 5.32 ERA and 1.53 WHIP make him unownable.

Manny Machado is a key factor in the Baltimore Orioles’ success so far. Any missed time will greatly affect the Orioles and your fantasy team.

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