Red-hot tensions boiled over on Tuesday night at Fenway Park as a bench-clearing brawl erupted between the Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox, leaving four players facing suspension and a nation stunned. Major League Baseball (MLB) has handed down seven-game suspensions to Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli and Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras, with both players also facing hefty undisclosed fines.
The spark that ignited the firestorm was a comment made by Cavalli to Contreras after striking him out in the fourth inning. In a moment of raw emotion, Cavalli bellowed "Sit down, boy!" – a phrase that carries a painful racial connotation in American sports history. Contreras, a Venezuelan player, was visibly upset, declaring he'd let MLB investigate any potential racial undertones.
Cavalli quickly backpedalled with an apology the next day, insisting he didn't mean to cause offence and now fully understands the weight of his words. He expressed regret for losing his temper, but vowed it won't happen again – and not just for himself, but for the young fans who might be influenced by his actions.
The benches cleared in a flash as Contreras was restrained from taking on Cavalli with his batting helmet. Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton and Nationals right-hander Miles Mikolas also got the axe – three and five-game suspensions respectively – along with Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy, who got the boot courtesy of umpire Vic Carapazza's quick whistling.
Contreras has been under a microscope lately, having been ejected in the previous game for his over-the-top appeal call antics. He'd already apologised for an exaggerated bat flip after a home run and revealed he was feeling the strain from recent devastating earthquakes in his native Venezuela. The suspensions kick in on Friday, but all players retain their right to appeal – which would temporarily freeze out the bans.