Report: Rougned Odor’s suspension reduced after appeal

Rougned Odor’s suspension for clocking Jose Bautista is losing a small bit of its punch. According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, Odor’s suspension will be reduced from eight games to seven after his appeal to the league office.

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Odor propelled the ugly brawl between the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers on May 15 when he connected a punch to Bautista’s face after a take-out slide at second base. The bad blood between these two teams had been brewing since last season’s ALDS when Bautista homered to put the Blue Jays ahead and unleashed the most famous bat flip in the history of baseball.

Per MLB rules, players are allowed to appeal their suspension and continue to play while doing so. Odor’s appeal was heard Tuesday and lasted three hours, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Now that his appeal has been heard, Odor’s suspension must begin by Friday. During Odor’s absence, the Rangers are expected to call up former top prospect Jurickson Profar from Triple-A. 

[Previously: Rougned Odor’s punch has earned him free meals for life]

Bautista also appealed his one-game suspension for his role in the brawl. That hearing was held earlier this week as well. No word yet on whether his suspension will be adjusted.

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Mike Oz is the editor of Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @MikeOz