WASHINGTON -- Following an appeal, right-hander Cade Cavalli began serving a five-game suspension on Monday stemming from the fracas between the Nationals and Red Sox last Tuesday at Fenway Park.
Cavalli initially was suspended for seven games for his actions initiating and during the benches-clearing incident that centered around him and Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras.
“It’s been tough to sleep,” Cavalli said on Friday when the original discipline was announced. “I never thought in a million years I’d be in this situation. I know where my heart is. I’ve learned that the people around me know where my heart is. The unwavering support from my teammates, my family and this staff, I’m just very grateful for them.”
Cavalli started Sunday's 11-5 loss to the Pirates, and he would be eligible to pitch this weekend against the Yankees.
Nationals right-hander Miles Mikolas also was suspended five games for his actions. Mikolas has appealed the ruling. He started on Monday against the Astros.
Contreras (seven games) and Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton (three games) also are appealing their suspensions.