Toronto Blue Jays News: Rougned Odor Ready to Accept Sanctions for Jose Bautista Punching Incident
It is highly unlikely for brawls to break out in a non-contact sports game such as baseball.
But that low chances of it happening came true on Sunday, during the final game of the current MLB season between the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers. In a report by ESPN.com, it all started after a hard slide by Blue Jay's right fielder Jose Bautista that hit Rangers' second baseman Rougned Odor in the legs.
Players from both teams rushed into the field, wherein everyone was met with the shoving match between between Bautista and Odor, that ended with the latter landing a punch on the former's face. For his part, Bautista says he tried his best not to hit and potentially injure Odor, but did make sure to make it known that he 'did not appreciate getting hit.'
As for the punch, the 35-year-old Dominican player says he acknowledges that Odor hit him with a good, solid shot.
"I was pretty surprised. I mean, obviously, that's the only reason that he got me, and he got me pretty good, so I have to give him that," Bautista said. "It takes a little bit bigger man to knock me down."
The report adds that the umpires needed 10 minutes to bring back the order in the game, and once the game resumed, Blue Jays pitcher hit Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder during the next throw, which once again caused a near melee, although no punches were thrown this time around.
Odor declined to make any comments after the game, but he did so after, when both teams had already seen the replays and made their respective assessments of the situation.
In a report by Jorge L. Ortiz for USA Today Sports, Odor was unregretful about his actions during that game.
"I know I'm going to be suspended for a couple of games," Odor said, while adding that he respects Bautista for playing hard.
