Manny Machado suspended four games following Yordano Ventura brawl

The O's third baseman was also fined $2,500 for his actions in the fight with Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura

Orioles shortstop Manny Machado has been suspended for four games and fined for his role in Tuesday's kerfuffle with the Royals, Major League Baseball announced on Thursday.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Machado is expected to appeal the ban.

Manny Machado is expected to appeal the four game suspension #Orioles

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 9, 2016

In case you've been living under a rock, here is video of said kerfuffle.

Consider this a blow to the Orioles, who are likely to be without Machado for a series, even if his appeal results in a slight reduction. He entered Thursday hitting .303/.375/.593 with 15 home runs -- numbers that, when combined with his stellar defense and the Orioles' first-place standing, make him a worthwhile All-Star and MVP candidate. In Machado's place, the O's figure to turn to all-glove, no-hit Paul Janish at shortstop. That's a considerable downgrade.

It's worth noting Machado's suspension essentially splits the difference between the ones handed to Jose Bautista (one game) and Rougned Odor (seven games) earlier this season for their donnybrook. Likewise, it's also worht noting that Machado receives one fewer game than he did back in 2014, when he tossed his bat.

Expect Yordano Ventura -- the instigator of this whole mess -- to receive a longer banishment in the coming days.