Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta lost his appeal for a five-game suspension and began serving it on Monday.
Peralta, who was suspended for striking Jose Siri with a pitch during Tuesday’s tight game against the Rays, will be allowed to return on Saturday.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy (two games), pitcher Abner Uribe (six games), and Siri (three games) were all punished for their involvement in the on-field brawls.
Peralta challenged his ban after it was handed down on Wednesday, hoping to start Sunday’s series finale against the Cubs.
The right-handed ace waited out his sentence long enough to start against Milwaukee’s division opponent, but it didn’t go as planned. During a 5-0 loss in Chicago, Peralta allowed three runs on three hits and six walks, tying his career best.
The 27-year-old is slated to return to the mound against the Cardinals at home on Saturday once his suspension is served.
Murphy suggested Sunday that Brewers’ No. 5 prospect Robert Gasser might come into Milwaukee’s rotation this week, with Peralta out.
