Suspension possible for Báez after walk-off celebration

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Cubs shortstop Javy Báez could face punishment from Major League Baseball for his walk-off celebration directed at Reds reliever Amir Garrett in Monday night's win over the Reds.

Cubs manager David Ross said Tuesday he has heard from MLB regarding Báez' reaction to his game-winning single off Garrett.

Asked whether a suspension is possible for Báez, Ross said, "Sure, there’s one possible."

Báez hit a deep fly ball in the ninth inning Monday to push the Cubs to victory over Cincinnati. He stared down Garrett while walking slowly down the first base line, yelling at the Reds reliever while rocking his bat back and forth in a sweeping motion.

Báez then gestured at Garrett to leave the field before tossing his bat aside.

This wasn't the first heated moment between Báez and Garrett. They exchanged words in 2018, after Garrett struck Báez out, and the Cubs and Reds' benches cleared.

Earlier this season, Báez took exception to Garrett directing a celebration at Anthony Rizzo, after Garrett struck out Rizzo. Báez hopped the Cubs' dugout railing, leading to both benches clearing again.

RELATED: Ross, Báez fire back at Garrett: ‘It’s garbage’

MLB fined Báez, and fined and suspended Garrett for seven games, for their roles in that May 2021 incident. Garrett's suspension was later reduced to five games.

Báez is out of the Cubs starting lineup Tuesday due to a bruised left heel.

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