News

Angels’ Rougned Odor Throws Punch At Blue Jays’ Jose Bautista, Brawl Ensues

The Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays have now played six games without any incidents since Toronto outfielder Jose Bautista’s s “bat-flip heard round the world” during Game 5 of last year’ American League Division Series. However, during the seventh meeting between the two teams on Sunday, all hell broke loose.

Angels’ Rougned Odor Throws Punch At Blue Jays’ Jose Bautista, Brawl Ensues

After being hit by a Matt Bush pitch at the beginning of the top of the 8th inning, Bautista attempted to break up a double play with a hard slide at second base on Rougned Odor’s legs. The 22-year-old Venezuelan Rangers second baseman clearly did not appreciate this, so he responded by shoving Bautista and then clocking him with a clear right punch to the jaw, thus knocking off his helmet and his sunglasses as Bautista tried to defend himself.

“I was pretty surprised,” Bautista said. “I mean, obviously, that’s the only reason that he got me, and he got me pretty good, so I have to give him that. It takes a little bit bigger man to knock me down.”

An all-out melee between the rest of the players on the field quickly ensued, as officials and even some coaches and managers attempted to break up the fight. In the end, Bautista and Josh Donaldson were ejected for the Jays, while Odor and bench coach Steve Buechele got the boot for the Rangers.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

“I had a hard slide at second base. I could have injured [Odor, but] I chose not to,” Bautista said. “I tried to send a message that I didn’t appreciate getting hit [by the pitch].”

Both benches cleared again when the Jays’ Jesse Chavez hit Prince Fielder with his first pitch in the bottom of the 8th, but no punches were thrown this time around. When all was said and done, eight players and managers in total were ejected during the game, which the Rangers won, 7-6.

Odor, who was also ejected, was not available to reporters after the game.


PHOTO: ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 30: Rougned Odor #12 of the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on April 30, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Pablo Mena

Writer and assistant editor for usports.org. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.

Recent Posts

Diontae Johnson Excited To Move From Panthers To Ravens, Could Help In Playoff Push

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson is reportedly settling in well with the Baltimore Ravens after the…

17 hours ago

What Happened To Aaron Judge? After Yankees Fall Short In World Series, Fans Are Asking Questions

Aaron Judge seemed to flip the script on his disastrous World Series and postseason with…

17 hours ago

As The Yankees Collapse In World Series, Free Agency Battle For Juan Soto Begins

The New York Yankees' 2024 season came to a screeching halt Wednesday night when the…

2 days ago

Dodgers Win World Series In Game 5, Yankees Blow Five-Run Lead In Disastrous Finale

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 7-6 in Game 5 to win…

2 days ago

Brad Pitt Makes Surprise Appearance At Mexican Grand Prix To Shoot His Movie, ‘F1’

https://youtu.be/Y69VZZt9rt4 Brad Pitt made a surprise appearance at the Mexican Grand Prix’s practice round on Oct. 26.…

3 days ago

76er’s Joel Embiid Stays In NBA News Even While Not Playing

Joel Embiid’s name came up twice in NBA news this week as he continues to…

4 days ago