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.

“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)