On Saturday, the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians engaged in a benches-clearing brawl after an altercation between Jose Ramirez and Tim Anderson.
The two began to fight shortly thereafter, with Ramirez landing a punch to the left side of Anderson’s face, knocking the White Sox shortstop to the ground.
Punishments were handed out on Monday, with Ramirez receiving a three-game suspension and Anderson receiving a six-game ban.
This left some White Sox fans confused, as Anderson was given a larger suspension.
However, Jesse Rogers of ESPN clarified the potential rationale behind a longer suspension for Anderson, stating that past behavior may have played a role in Major League Baseball’s decision.
Past behavior can be taken into account for current discipline. TA has been suspended several times previously. https://t.co/YbgTbuu37t
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) August 7, 2023
Anderson has been suspended multiple times in the past, which could possibly have played a role in the decision MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred made to suspend him the longest out of everybody involved in the melee.
One fan had asked Rogers why Anderson had received the harshest punishment, and Rogers clarified the potential reasoning behind it.
The White Sox shortstop dropped his glove and squared up to fight Ramirez after the two had briefly exchanged words.
Ultimately, Ramirez was also suspended.
Several other players and coaches were suspended and fined.
Pedro Grifol and Terry Francona, the managers of both teams, were each given one-game suspensions.
Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase received a suspension as well.
But it was Anderson who ultimately received the harshest ban.
Both he and Ramirez chose to appeal their suspensions.
As Rogers pointed out, past behavior could have led MLB to suspend Anderson for more games.
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