Willson Contreras' Suspension Reduced To Four Games

"Willson Contreras' suspension was reduced to four games on appeal, writes Derrick Goold of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Cardinals first baseman had initially been hit with a six-game ban for his outburst towards umpire Derek Thomas after he was ejected from a game against the Pirates on August 25. Contreras will need to begin serving the suspension tonight."

"Nolan Gorman moves across the diamond from third base tonight against Giants' righty Carson Seymour. The Cards kicked Thomas Saggese from second to third base. José Fermín draws into the lineup at the keystone as the #9 hitter. Contreras was suspended for an on-field violation, which means the Cardinals cannot replace him. They'll play the next four games with a four-man bench while their opponents have a fifth position player with the expanded roster."

Willson Contreras had his suspension reduced to four games on appeal and must begin serving it tonight. He will miss the weekend series against the Giants and Monday's opener in Seattle. The Cardinals sit 5.5 games back in the Wild Card race while San Francisco has tightened the gap and the Mariners cling to postseason position. Nolan Gorman moves from third base to the other side of the diamond, Thomas Saggese shifts to third, and José Fermín enters the lineup at second. The Cardinals cannot replace Contreras for on-field violations and will carry a four-man bench. Catching depth changed as Pozo returns from the concussion list and César Prieto was optioned to Triple-A; Alec Burleson is expected to be activated Monday when eligible.

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