Yordano Ventura suspension reduced by one game, to be served immediately

Yordano Ventura will begin serving an eight-game suspension today for his role in a bench-clearing brawl with the Baltimore Orioles back on June 7, according to Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star. The suspension was originally a nine-game suspension, but Major League Baseball agreed to reduce the suspension by one game if Ventura would drop his appeal. Orioles infielder Manny Machado, who triggered the brawl when he charged the mound after being hit with a pitch by Ventura, received a four-game suspension, which he will begin serving on Sunday after dropping his appeal. The Royals can not replace Ventura on the roster during his suspension.

Buck on Ventura suspension reduced: "Without a hearing? I’ll let you guys critique that. I’m trying to have enough $ to finish up the garden

— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) June 18, 2016

Yordano Ventura will be eligible to start again on June 28 in St. Louis. The Royals have two off-days next week, making it easier on the rotation to skip his start. Dillon Gee could also be an option to fill in for the rotation. The Royals also called up left-hander Brian Flynn, who could make a start if need be. Ventura has been excellent in his two starts since the incident, allowing just one run over 13 1/3 innings.