The Houston Astros got a post-season break.

MLB announced Monday that, yes, Astros reliever Bryan Abreu is being suspended for two games after MLB deemed the 26-year-old threw at Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia on a hit-by-pitch that led to multiple ejections and a bench-clearing in Game 6 of the NLDS on Sunday.,

MLB, however, will not inform the two-game suspension until the start of the 2024 season.

MLB noted it "took into account the dangerous nature of the pitch and its potential impact on player safety" when making its decision.

After filing an appeal on Sunday and pitching in Game 6 later that night, MLB maintained its original decision to suspend Abreu for two games, while delaying the punishment until the start of the 2024 season. The news was announced a little over three hours before first pitch for Game 7 of the ALCS.

"That was kind of what I was hoping for when I didn't use him in a down game two innings yesterday," Astros manager Dusty Baker said Monday after learning of MLB's ruling. "He told me he was prepared to throw as many as possible, just in case he had to serve a suspension. It's a blessing to have him for today."

Abreu's availability is welcome news for the Astros, given production he's delivered this year. He has a 2.45 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings this postseason, which is actually a step back from his regular-season statistics. In 72 innings, Abreu struck out 100 batters while posting an eye-popping 1.75 ERA.

"That could be a huge blow," Baker said Sunday on the possibility of being without Abreu for the final game of the ALCS. Baker added that "hopefully some of this will be postponed and we'll have him [in Game 7], as well."

The Astros' skipper got his wish.