Genesis Cabrera receives suspension following Saturday's altercation

Toronto Blue Jays reliever Genesis Cabrera has been suspended three games for his role in Saturday's altercation at Tropicana Field with Tampa Bay Rays' infielder Jose Caballero, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.

Davidi also reports that Cabrera will be appealing the league's decision.

It began after Cabellero reached third on a bunt due to an errant throw to first from third baseman Justin Turner, allowing him to advance two extra bases. Cabrera met Cabellero at third while backing up the play, leading to a verbal dispute that spiraled into the benches clearing after the reliever shoved the Rays infielder.

He briefly spoke on the matter at the Blue Jays' presser following the game.

"I will say it was more like a heat of the moment," said Cabrera through an interpreter. "I mean, I think we all kind of overreact a little bit, he looked at me and I just reacted...it's part of the game sometimes, but it's over with."

Toronto's manager, John Schneider, praised both clubs and the officials' handling of the situation.

"Stuff happens, it was handled really well by everyone," said Schneider. "The umpires issued warnings and everyone was fine with that."

Toronto went on to lose 5-1 in the club's third game of the season, with frustrations seemingly boiling over for the 27-year-old hurler as the teams' deficit grew amidst the play.

Cabrera serves as an integral piece of the Blue Jays' bullpen with Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson still awaiting their returns from injury.

Even though his services were not needed, Cabrera was available in Sunday afternoon's contest against the Rays. Even without him entering the game, the Blue Jays were able to secure a series split against their division rivals. The offense woke up and the likes of Justin Turner and Davis Schneider hit their first home runs of the young 2024 campaign.

Next up, Houston.