Astros coach ignited brawl with A’s by insulting Ramon Laureano’s mom

Ramon Laureano wildly charged at the Astros during Sunday’s game, and now we might know why

Laureano was drilled three times during the Athletics three-game set against the Astros, including twice in their final game. After his second HBP of the game, Laureano started jawing with the Houston dugout, but such antagonizing was seemingly from a distance. Then, out of nowhere, Laureano ran towards the Astros dugout, picking a fight with bench coach Alex Cintron in the process.

So, what could Cintron have said to Laureano to pick a fight with the 26-year-old outfielder?

Laureano is notoriously one of the nicest, easiest-going players on the A’s, and is respected even in the Astros clubhouse. Yet, Cintron reportedly insulted Laureano’s mother, which is a big no-no in Latin culture.

Both Laureano and Cintron should expect suspensions from MLB

“[Laureano] was hit a lot, I know it was a curveball, but when he started going down the line, we heard that things were said that weren’t right to him, and maybe someone even told him to come over to the dugout, so I think he was definitely provoked a little bit,” A’s first baseman Matt Olsen said.

It’s safe to assume that Laureano was provoked from the Astros dugout, and given most the players and coaches are mic’d up during games, MLB will get to the bottom of this one way or another.

Even Dusty Baker understands why such an insult would incite an extreme reaction from Laureano. Baker did not, however, admit to hearing anything in the dugout.

Considering Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly was suspended eight games for throwing at the Astros, Laureano should expect a punishment along those same lines, despite the fact that he may have been provoked. Rob Manfred isn’t playing around.