Suspension for Nick Castellanos for Saturday’s fight

New York. Cincinnati Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos was suspended for two games and also received a fine for his involvement in a field fight over the weekend.

This is the first sanction Michael Hill has decreed in his new role as vice president of Major League Baseball operations.

Castellanos appealed the punishment to Special Assistant John McHale Jr. so it will not purge the suspension while the appeal is being processed.

According to MLB, Castellanos was sanctioned for his behavior in Saturday’s game against St. Louis, citing “his aggressive reaction and for instigating an incident that emptied the banks.”

Castellanos, who fired a homer on the opening day of the campaign and made an enthusiastic leap in dropping the bat, was hit by a ball from Cardinals pitcher Jake Woodford on Saturday. Castellanos picked up the ball and offered to return it to Woodford before throwing it aside.

After an uncontrolled throw, Castellanos ran from third base to score a run, rising to etzibar to Woodford, who had received the shot from receiver Yadier Molina on the plate.

When Castellanos walked away, Molina came to complain, which led to the banks and bullpens being emptied. Castellanos was expelled.

Molina received a fine Monday, as did St. Louis third baseman Nolan Arenado and pitcher Jordan Hicks. Two Cincinnati players were fined: infielder Eugenio Suárez and outfielder Jesse Winker.

Hill, a former Miami Marlins baseball president, took over the position left vacant by Chris Young after just one season as Joe Torre’s successor in the role of enforcing disciplinary action in MLB. Young took over as general manager of the Texas Rangers.