Blue Jays, Rangers players facing suspensions after bench-clearing brawl

Toronto Blue Jays Jose Bautista (19) gets hit by Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor (12) after Bautista slid into second in the eighth inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Tex., on Sunday, May 15, 2016. (Richard W. Rodriguez/Star-Telegram via AP)

Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor is facing an eight-game suspension after punching Toronto’s Jose Bautista, according to the MLB.

A fierce rivalry that began with Bautista’s famous bat flip during Game 5 of the American League Division Series last fall and culminated on Sunday when Rangers pitcher Matt Bush beaned Bautista at the top of the eighth inning.

Baustia’s forceful slide into second following a groundout by Justin Smoak then triggered an argument between him and Odor that ended with the violent outburst and a bench-clearing brawl at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas

Major League Baseball officials announced the suspensions and other disciplinary action on Tuesday.

Odor was also fined $5,000. The Rangers second baseman can appeal the suspension.

Meanwhile, Blue Jays manager John Gibbons told reporters on Tuesday that he has been suspended for three games and is facing a $5,000 fine for returning to the field after being ejected from Sunday’s game.

"I thought that was a little excessive but what are you going to do?" Gibbons said. "I've got enough issues to worry about."

Toronto reliever Jesse Chavez is also facing a three-game suspension for hitting Rangers hitter Prince Fielder with a pitch, triggering a second brawl. Bautista and Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus will have to sit out one game each for their involvement in the melee.

Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson and Rangers bench coach Steve Buechele were also thrown out of the game after the fight. Both were later fined.

Four other Rangers were fined, including pitcher Matt Bush, pitcher Sam Dyson, catcher Robinson Chirinos and pitcher A.J. Griffin.