Ramon Laureano sparks brawl between Astros, A’s

OAKLAND, Calif. — Former Astros farmhand Ramon Laureano incited a wild benches-clearing melee between the A’s and Astros on Sunday at Oakland Coliseum.

Laureano, whom the Astros traded away in 2017, charged the Astros first-base dugout after exchanging words with hitting coach Alex Cintron. Astros catcher Dustin Garneau and first-base coach Omar Lopez subdued Laureano before he could reach Cintron.

Laureano had been hit in the back twice — once by Brandon Bailey and again in the seventh by Humberto Castellanos. Both pitchers are rookies. Laureano was coincidentally traded for Bailey in Nov. 2017.

Laureano was visibly displeased after he was drilled by Castellanos, a man making his third major league appearance. Catcher Martin Maldonado briefly calmed the situation, but Laureano and Cintron started exchanging words when he reached first base.

The two teams emptied their dugouts and some players pushed and shoved for about 30 seconds. Laureano was ejected. Astros manager Dusty Baker was ejected an inning earlier by home plate umpire Nick Mahrley for arguing balls and strikes.