Nicholas Castellanos and Yadier Molina at center of benches-clearing drama in Cards-Reds (Video)

Nicholas Castellanos and Yadier Molina got heated after a head-first slide by the Reds outfielder.

Castellanos wasn’t afraid to stick his head into an uncomfortable situation, with pitcher Jake Woodford sliding in and trying to make a late tag. When Castellanos avoided Woodford just enough to record the run, he got up and flexed right in the Cardinals’ pitcher’s face. Catcher Yadier Molina did not take well to this, and the 18-year vet yelled back in Castellanos’ direction.

The benches cleared, leading to some unnecessary drama from both dugouts. However, in the end there were no punches thrown and therefore disaster averted. Castellanos’ harsh reaction to scoring a run appears to have taken Molina the wrong way, and he wasn’t about to stand for that.

Conversations were had, but cooler heads prevailed in Cincinnati

Especially in the middle of a pandemic, MLB would rather avoid any conflicts that involve face-to-face contact. Thankfully, despite clear anger on both sides, the Reds and Cardinals merely grouped together and eventually returned to their respective dugouts. Castellanos was ejected for his actions.

In the end, the conflict wasn’t significant enough to promote much violence from either side…for now. If the Cardinals should choose to take matters into their own hands and bean a Reds player, then perhaps that could change.

We can only hope both sides take the high road.