It is simultaneously true that Anderson’s actions over the weekend were stupid and required discipline, and that both MLB and umpires have demonstrated a remarkably quick trigger for taking Anderson off the field at any chance they get. Later in 2022, Anderson was suspended for three games - later reduced to two - for making contact with an umpire during an argument over balls and strikes. That suspension was later reduced to a fine. In 2022, he was suspended for a game for flipping off fans in the Cleveland crowd after a two-error inning. He received a one-game suspension in 2019 after STICK TALK, a now-infamous bat flip/hit-by-pitch sequence led to benches clearing - though it wasn’t for his involvement in the fray, but for reportedly directing a “racially-charged word” at Keller, a rather twisted interpretation of the rules that went completely against its spirit. Notably, this is not the first time Anderson has been suspended for retaliating, rather than initiating conflict. The length of Anderson’s suspension relative to Ramírez is likely due to Anderson’s history of league discipline, often questionably imposed. As is typical, both infielders are deferring their suspensions pending a union appeal to the league, where suspensions are anticipated to be reduced by a single game. Emmanuel Clasé received one game for his overenthusiastic entrance from the bullpen during the ensuing fracas, while managers Pedro Grifol and Terry Francona and Cleveland third base coach Mike Saurbaugh also received a game, which they’ve already served. José Ramírez, who instigated the exchange that led Anderson to make the unfortunate decision to turn the infield into a boxing ring, received just three games. Tim Anderson has been suspended for six games for his role in Saturday’s bench-clearing brawl, MLB announced on Monday.

A flat minor