Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Génesis Cabrera has been suspended for three games by Major League Baseball following a benches-clearing incident that occurred during Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Cabrera, however, has decided to appeal the suspension, permitting him to continue playing until a hearing can be held.

The altercation took place in the eighth inning of the third game of the series between the Blue Jays and the Rays. The Rays held a 3-1 lead when tensions began to rise. Arozarena had just reached third base following a single and two stolen bases. José Caballero then hit an infield single that brought Arozarena home, with a throwing error leading to Caballero being tagged out at third.

During the play, Caballero appeared to accept that he would be tagged out and allowed it to happen, causing him to cross paths with Blue Jays reliever Cabrera. The two players made slight contact, leading to an exchange of words, and Cabrera reacted by shoving Caballero in the face with both hands.

The incident prompted the benches to clear, with players gathering on the field but refraining from any physical altercations. No players were ejected from the game.

Speaking after the incident, Cabrera acknowledged that he may have overreacted in the heat of the moment. He expressed remorse, stating, "It was more the heat of the moment. I think I kind of overreacted a little bit. He looked at me, and I just reacted. It was emotions. Emotions. The heat of the moment. It's part of the game sometimes, but it's over with. It's over. That's where it ends, right there."

On the other hand, Caballero emphasized his desire to simply enjoy playing baseball and avoid conflict. He said, "I'm just playing baseball. I try to have fun playing baseball. I enjoy what I do, and I don't want any problem with anyone. But situations always come, and I didn't want it to go farther than what it was. And unfortunately, he didn't think the same way. But that's all."

The MLB's decision to suspend Cabrera for three games will impact the Blue Jays' upcoming matches. However, with his appeal pending, Cabrera will be permitted to continue playing until the hearing takes place.

It remains to be seen how the appeal process will unfold and what further consequences or disciplinary measures may result from the incident. The Blue Jays and the Rays will have to move forward from this altercation as they focus on the remaining games of their series.