MLB announces suspensions for Ramon Laureano and Astros coach Alex Cintron

After their benches-clearing brawl on Sunday, Ramon Laureano and Alex Cintron have been punished

Due to MLB’s strict COVID-19 protocol, we knew they were going to come down hard on both Astros hitting coach Alex Cintron and Oakland Athletics outfielder Ramon Laureano, both of whom were at the center of the AL West rivals’ benches-clearing incident on Sunday. Cintron, who reportedly started the incident by insulting Laureano’s mother, received a heftier suspension, while Laureano will miss an adequate amount of time.

This comes in the wake of Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly receiving an eight-game ban for plunking Houston hitters and starting a conflict of his own.

Rob Manfred has sent a clear message that intentionally hurting another player or starting a conflict will not be tolerated, even against the Houston Astros

It’s ironic, in some facets, that no significant punishments have been levied out to any Astros players despite their roles in the 2017 sign-stealing scandal and now two on-field incidents. Cintron, who will not appeal his suspension, will have to sit 20 games.

Laureano will be suspended for six games, but it is unknown at this time whether or not he will appeal that decision from the league office.

In a 60-game season, every game missed is vital. The Oakland A’s find themselves in first place by a rather wide margin, but missing one of their best outfielders in Laureano for any chunk of time could impact that advantage, which is conveniently held over Houston.