Francisco suspended for rest of season, fined

Texas Rangers pitcher Frank Francisco was suspended for the rest of the season and fined Friday for throwing a chair that hit a woman and broke her nose during a game at Oakland, Calif., earlier this week.

Francisco appealed the suspension, which will last no less than 16 regular-season games if upheld, said Bob Watson, baseball’s vice president in charge of discipline. He remained eligible to play pending a hearing before Bob DuPuy, baseball’s chief operating officer.

The suspension is among the harshest assessed by the commissioner’s office for on-field conduct in recent decades, trailing only the 30-day suspension given Cincinnati manager Pete Rose in 1988 for pushing umpire Dave Pallone.

Phillies pitcher Wagner disciplined

Philadelphia Phillies closer Billy Wagner was suspended for two games by Major League Baseball and fined an undisclosed amount after he was ejected against the New York Mets last weekend.

The suspension was scheduled to begin Friday night when Philadelphia was home against Montreal.

“I have to serve it and just get it behind me,” Wagner said. “I’m just glad it’s here, and in a couple of days it’s over and we can get past it.”

Clearing the bases

Cleveland Indians left-hander C.C. Sabathia likely will miss the rest of the season because of a strained left hamstring. Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said Sabathia definitely would miss his scheduled start Tuesday. … San Diego Padres third baseman Sean Burroughs underwent season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to repair torn cartilage. … Byung-Hyun Kim rejoined the Boston Red Sox. Although not activated, Kim might be able to pitch again this season, general manager Theo Epstein said.