Twins third baseman Miguel Sano has been suspended for one game by Major League Baseball for his part in a benches-clearing incident on Saturday against Detroit.
However, Sano is in the lineup Monday night, batting third. The Twins are going to appeal the decision, manager Paul Molitor said, and they believe they have a good chance at getting the punishment reduced to a fine.
Sano said he shoved catcher James McCann after McCann put his glove in Sano's face. The umpires viewed that shove as more of a punch. But McCann's actions appeared to escalate the situation, which the Twins will likely point out in their appeal.
It is not known how soon the appeal can be heard.
Here's the official release from the league:
"Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano has received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for his aggressive actions in the bottom of the fifth inning of Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field, which caused benches to clear. Joe Torre, Chief Baseball Officer for Major League Baseball, made the announcement.
"In addition, Tigers pitcher Matthew Boyd has received an undisclosed fine for intentionally throwing a pitch at Sano.
"Sano's suspension had been scheduled to be served [Monday night], when the Twins are to visit the Texas Rangers. However, he has elected to appeal. Thus, the discipline issued to Sano will be held in abeyance until the process is complete.
