Bryan Abreu's two-game suspension was upheld by an independent arbitrator but will be delayed until the start of the 2024 season, making the Houston Astros' primary setup reliever available for Game 7 of the AL Championship Series on Monday night.

Abreu was suspended in the wake of a benches-clearing incident in the eighth inning of Game 5 on Friday, when he threw a first-pitch fastball at the left arm of Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia.

Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu has appealed a two-game suspension in the wake of his controversial hit by pitch of Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia, which sparked a benches-clearing incident and a near brawl in the late stages of Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Friday night.

In making the appeal, Abreu, the Astros' primary setup man, is available to pitch in Game 6 on Sunday night as any discipline is placed on hold while the process plays out.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu has been handed a two-game suspension in the wake of his controversial hit by pitch of Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia, which sparked a benches-clearing incident and a near brawl in the late stages of Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Friday night.