Odor has no regrets about punching Jose Bautista, expects suspension
Even though he respects Jose Bautista, Rougned Odor has no regrets about Sunday's punch
By
Mike Axisa
•
1 min read
Things between the Rangers and Blue Jays got very heated Sunday night in Texas. Jose Bautista was plunked in apparent retaliation for his ALDS bat flip, then Bautista slid in hard at second base on a take-out slide. Rougned Odor responded with a shove and by punching Bautista square in the jaw.
Here's the video in case you've somehow missed it:
On Monday, Odor doubled down on the punch and said he has no regrets even though a suspension is surely coming. He also said he respects Bautista.
Rougned Odor said he has no regets about Sunday. Knows he will be suspended... said he respects Jose Bautista
— TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) May 16, 2016
Based on the reaction of players on Twitter and in interviews, most weren't too upset to see Bautista take a punch like that. "Respected" is a better word than "beloved" to describe his standing around the league.
Odor, 22, has a bit of a history when it comes to brawls. He is likely facing a suspension of at least eight games, matching what Carlos Quentin received for breaking Zack Greinke's collarbone a few years back. It could be longer, however. Michael Barrett received 10 games for punching A.J. Pierzynski in 2006.
Bautista, Josh Donaldson, Matt Bush, Jesse Chavez, and Blue Jays manager John Gibbons are all facing suspensions as well. Bush hit Bautista with the pitch, and Chavez retaliated by hitting Prince Fielder the next inning. Fielder laughed it off. Gibbons returned to the field during the brawl after being ejected for arguing balls and strikes earlier in the game.
The Rangers and Blue Jays do not play again this season. Gibbons called the Rangers "gutless" for waiting until Bautista's last at-bat in their last meeting of the season to throw at him.
