Boston Red Sox's Willson Contreras (40) is held back as tempers flare during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

NEW YORK — Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli and Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras were each issued a seven-game suspension by Major League Baseball on Thursday for their role in a benches-clearing fight between the teams.

Nationals pitcher Miles Mikolas (five games) and Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton (three games) were also suspended by MLB for their actions during the dustup that took place at Fenway Park in the fourth inning of Tuesday night’s game.

The four players were also fined an undisclosed amount in the discipline announced by senior vice president of on-field operations Michael Hill. The suspensions were scheduled to begin on Friday when the Red Sox play at the Los Angeles Angels and the Nationals host the Pittsburgh Pirates.

If any of the players elect to appeal the penalty, the ban will be delayed until that process is completed.

Cavalli shouted at Contreras after striking him out looking on a full-count pitch. Contreras then threw his helmet at Cavalli and approached him on the mound. They began jawing at each other and both dugouts emptied.

Contreras, Eaton, Mikolas and Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy were ejected. Cavalli was not.

Contreras was tossed for a second straight game, having mimicked an appeal call after striking out on a checked swing during Monday’s game. He also celebrated a three-run homer off Mikolas in that game with a massive bat flip he later apologized for. The native of Venezuela acknowledged he’s been stressed since his native country was damaged by earthquakes last week.

Decisions, decisions

MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski says he wants to play in the All-Star Game but understands why that’s unlikely to happen. The Brewers are currently planning to have Misiorowski start Tuesday at St. Louis and again July 12 at Pittsburgh. July 12 is the last day before the All-Star break.

Pitchers with starting assignments on that Sunday before the break are ineligible to pitch in the All-Star Game two nights later. Misiorowski has a 1.47 ERA and 156 strikeouts to lead the major leagues in both categories.

Misiorowski was the losing pitcher on Thursday in the team’s loss to Cincinnati.

Road to recovery

FRISCO, Texas — Athletics prospect Ryan Lasko, who broke his back in a frightening collision with a minor league teammate Tuesday, posted on social media Thursday he faces a “lengthy” recovery but hopes to return to baseball.

Lasko had surgery Tuesday night, a spinal decompression and stabilization procedure at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano to address a fractured C6-C7 vertebra. The outfielder was in stable condition Wednesday, according to the A’s.

Lasko collided with Double-A Midland teammate Devin Taylor during a game in Frisco, Texas. Both dove for a flyball, and Lasko remained motionless on the field after the play.

“I’d like to thank everyone for the well wishes & prayers,” Lasko posted. “I truly feel so loved and appreciated by everyone that has reached out. I am doing well and on the road to recovery. This is going to be a lengthy process but I hope to be able to get back to doing what I love.”

The 24-year-old Lasko was selected by the Athletics in the second round of the 2023 amateur draft from Rutgers.

Roster moves

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves recalled infielder Jim Jarvis from Triple-A Gwinnett.

Veteran first baseman Rowdy Tellez was designated for assignment.

The 25-year-old Jarvis immediately joined Atlanta’s starting lineup at shortstop against the St. Louis Cardinals. Jarvis, a left-handed hitter, was hitting ninth against starter Dustin May.

Jarvis was 1 for 5 in a brief stint with Atlanta in early May. He was recalled for his second opportunity in the major leagues after hitting .313 with six homers, 36 RBIs and 32 stolen bases at Gwinnett. The 31-year-old Tellez was 2 for 10 with one homer in seven games with the Braves.