Houston Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick was suspended for two games because of his collision with catcher Jonathan Lucroy on Sunday, breaking Lucroy’s nose and giving him a concussion.

Marisnick has appealed the suspension, which Major League Baseball announced Thursday. He can play until the appeal is heard. Marisnick was also fined an undisclosed amount.

“After thoroughly reviewing the play from all angles, I have concluded that Jake’s actions warrant discipline,” MLB chief baseball officer Joe Torre said in the announcement. “While I do not believe that Jake intended to injure Jonathan, the contact he initiated in his attempt to score violated Official Baseball Rule 6.01(i), which is designed to protect catchers from precisely this type of collision.”

Marisnick bowled over Lucroy while trying to score the go-ahead run in the eighth inning of the Angels’ game in Houston, prompting Angels manager Brad Ausmus to suggest the play warranted a suspension.

Marisnick was called out on the play because he violated baseball’s rules on home plate collisions. Runners are not permitted to deviate from their direct pathway to the plate in order to initiate a collision. Marisnick said he believed Lucroy was moving toward foul territory, so he was changing his path to try to avoid him. Lucroy remained in fair territory, though.

Marisnick expressed regret over the play on Thursday, and said he had talked to Lucroy. He maintained that it was an accident, though.

Astros OF Jake Marisnick on why he’s appealing his suspension: “I would like to talk further with Major League Baseball on the play. … I know deep down in my heart that I had no intent to hurt or make contact with him.” pic.twitter.com/g8q8mJZXNu — Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) July 11, 2019

After the collision, several players from around the majors commented on the collision, with opinions split on whether Marisnick should be suspended.

The Astros play the Angels at Angel Stadium for a four-game series starting Monday.

HARVEY TO RETURN

Matt Harvey, who has missed the past two months with a back injury and to correct flaws in his delivery, will return to the Angels’ rotation on Saturday night against the Seattle Mariners.

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The Angels will use Taylor Cole as an opener for Félix Peña in their first game after the break, on Friday. Jose Suarez will pitch Sunday.

The Mariners will counter with Mike Leake on Friday, an opener in front of Wade LeBlanc on Saturday, and Yusei Kikuchi on Sunday.

ALSO

JC Ramirez and Keynan Middleton, who are both nearing the end of the rehab process from Tommy John surgery, were scheduled to pitch in minor league games on Thursday night. Ramirez started for Triple-A Salt Lake, in what was perhaps the final outing before he returns to the majors, and pitched five innings. He allowed seven runs (all earned) on 10 hits (four home runs) and two walks. He struck out four and threw 92 pitches, registering 90-92 mph on his fastball. Middleton started for Class-A Inland Empire in his third rehab appearance and pitched a scoreless inning (19 pitches), striking out three in a row after loading the bases. His fastball was clocked at 94-96 mph. He is expected to be ready within two weeks.

UP NEXT

Angels (RHP Taylor Cole, then RHP Felix Peña, 6-2, 4.72) vs. Mariners (7-7, 4.32), Friday, 7:07 p.m., Fox Sports West, 830 AM