Carlos Carrasco might withdraw ban appeal – MLB News
Cleveland Indians’ starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco has planned to drop his appeal against the six-game suspension awarded to him by Major League Baseball for an attempted headshot at Billy Butler of Kansas City Royals.
It is now becoming obvious that Carrasco’s plan to appeal against the ban was a method to start his next game and later to drop the appeal once he is done with the game.
Manager Manny Acta supported Carrasco’s stance and said, “I think we would lean toward him dropping it, too. We can adjust the rotation because of the day off [Monday].”
The six-game ban would allow Carrasco a six-day rest which, at this stage of the season, would be a blessing for any starting pitcher. A five-day rest is a routine for the pitchers but getting the extra-day gives the required boost in performance with the
intensity of competition increasing.
The right-handed pitcher will drop his appeal as he starts against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, August 3. It is worth mentioning here that he has also been slammed with a $2500 fine for which there is no relief whatsoever.
The infamous incident occurred on July 29 when Melky Cabrera of the Royals’ took a long pause at the plate after hammering Carrasco for a massive home-run. Cabrera stood there admiring his hit which ignited Carrasco.
Not being able to hold on to his temper, Carrasco aimed at the head of Butler who came to plate after Cabrera. Throwing at the head of the batter has been a common practice among pitchers to express their frustration or irritation but it would have made
more sense if the throw was directed at Cabrera’s head the next time he came at-bat, that too if this rowdy behaviour is acceptable.
Carrasco’s form has experienced a dip too along with his behaviour. His win-loss record has deteriorated from 8-4 to 8-9 and his loss on July 29 was his fifth consecutive loss. His statistics for the season too have witnessed a diminishing trend with ERA
rising to 4.55 from 3.54 at one stage and just 85 strike-outs in 21 starts.
Carlos has leaked 130 hits and 68 runs thus far in the season and 15 of these runs have come as home-runs. He is just two years into his professional career and needs to correct his act before the situation gets worse.
Cleveland is currently placed second in the American League Central division with a 54-54 record and four games behind Detroit Tigers in the division. The Indians need to concentrate on the game and more so on winning games as they are just 2.5 games ahead
of the fast-improving Chicago White Sox. A playoffs berth is more important than taking revenge on the field.
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