Rougned Odor's Self-Defense Claim Is Ridiculous

Every year in MLB, we’ll see a brawl or two, that while being excessively entertaining, makes you shake your head. The Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays displayed just that Sunday afternoon.

It’s certainly in the nature of a baserunner to slide hard into the second base bag in an effort to break up a double play. Jose Bautista had that in mind when he went hard through the bag as Rougned Odor was attempting a twin kill.

By rule, Bautista’s slide was illegal because of the lateness of the slide. His intent was to take Odor out and in response, the Rangers second baseman retaliated with a firm shove followed by a swift right hook to Bautista’s left cheek.

Odor’s frustration with the slide was well-founded considering the injuries we’ve seen on such plays. Chris Coghlan ended Jung-Ho Kang‘s season just before the postseason last year and Ruben Tejada had his leg broken by Chase Utley in the NLDS.

Odor claimed self-defense, which if you’ve seen the sequence of events, you’ll know is a ridiculous statement. Following Bautista’s slide, Odor charged and following the shove, immediately slugged the Blue Jays’ outfielder.

Both will be suspended, but Odor’s suspension must be significantly longer. It can’t be any less than five games, whereas Bautista shouldn’t sit out more than two. Retaliation is part of the game but anytime a punch is thrown, swift action must be taken by the league. Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre should be announcing the punishments as early as Tuesday.