Ramon Laureano has suspension reduced to four games
Ramon Laureano did not even get to have a hearing on his appeal before his suspension was reduced.
It was not a surprise that Ramon Laureano appealed his six game suspension that was handed down in the wake of his charging the Astros dugout. He had obviously been provoked by hitting coach Alex Cintron when his emotions were already running on high. Add in his lack of disciplinary history, and a reduction to that suspension was likely.
That proved to be the case on Friday. According to reports, Laureano’s suspension has been reduced to four games by the league, which he will serve immediately upon dropping his appeal.
Oakland A's outfielder Ramon Laureano had his suspension for charging at the Houston Astros' bench reduced from six games to four, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 14, 2020
Laureano will drop his appeal and his suspension will start tonight and go through Monday. He won't miss any in-division games.
It is interesting to note that Laureano is stopping his appeal in accepting the punishment. This indicates that the suspension was reduced by the league’s disciplinary department and that the appeal had not been heard at this point.
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This also gives the A’s a degree of certainty surrounding Laureano’s availability. It had taken approximately two weeks for Joe Kelly‘s appeal, and subsequent reduction to his suspension, to be announced. Given the current schedules due to the pandemic, the A’s and Laureano may have had a similar schedule.
Instead of missing some nebulous point in the future, he will now miss the entire three game series against the Giants this weekend, and Monday’s game in Arizona before rejoining the lineup. While he will be missed in those contests, Laureano will be back in the lineup for the A’s next stretch of divisional matchups, including a three game set with the Astros between August 28 and August 30.
Laureano’s departure from the lineup leaves a large hole for the A’s to fill. Thus far, he has produced a 1.3 bWAR on the season, tied for second in the AL. His .production, a 262/.398/.462 batting line with three homers and two doubles, will be missed.
Next. Laureano right to appeal. dark
Fortunately, Ramon Laureano will not be sidelined for long. His suspension has been reduced to four games, which will start tonight.