New York Yankees first baseman Tyler Austin's five-game suspension for charging the mound and inciting a brawl at Fenway Park earlier in April has been reduced to four games after an appeal, the Yankees announced following Thursday's game, according to NJ.com's Brendan Kuty.
Austin, who was allowed to continue playing during the appeal process, will begin serving the suspension Friday. He'll miss all three of the Yankees' games against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim this weekend as well as Monday's road contest against the Houston Astros, and will be eligible to return Tuesday. The Yankees will have to play with a 24-man roster during his suspension.
Tyler Austin isn't happy about his suspension, but is thankful it was reduced to four games. #YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/EyOSwYI01j
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 26, 2018
Austin was plunked by Boston Red Sox reliever Joe Kelly on April 12 and he quickly charged the mound to fight the pitcher, starting the latest Yankees-Red Sox brouhaha. During the ensuing pile-up, Austin threw a punch that connected with the head of Red Sox coach Carlos Febles.
The 26-year-old has emerged as New York's starting first baseman following Greg Bird's injury, and is hitting .290/.362/.629 with five homers and 16 RBIs through 16 games this season.
Kelly's six-game suspension for intentionally throwing at Austin was upheld by MLB on Thursday.
