MLB reduces Contreras suspension to five games

Contreras will begin serving the suspension Thursday and will miss one additional game after the All-Star break. Contreras appealed the original penalty tied to a benches-clearing incident against the Washington Nationals on June 30. He was stopped before reaching the mound but attempted to throw his helmet toward Nationals starter Cade Cavalli.

" Contreras, who is Venezuelan, declined to comment on any racial element and said he would let MLB handle the matter. Cavalli, who is white, also had his suspension cut from seven games to five. Washington pitcher Miles Mikolas received a five-game ban and Boston outfielder Nate Eaton was given a three-game suspension for their roles in the brawl.

All-Star eligibility The 34-year-old Contreras was added to the American League All-Star roster as a replacement. He is batting .285 with 20 home runs and 61 RBIs in 306 at-bats this season. Contreras will participate in the Home Run Derby if cleared by medical staff after leaving Wednesday's game with a foot injury.