Kline, Sheffield draw suspensions
NOTES
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Kline was suspended for four games and New York Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield for two by the commissioner’s office.
Kline was ejected following a balk call Monday night in Baltimore, when he angrily protested the decision by plate umpire Marty Foster. Orioles manager Lee Mazzilli went on the field, standing between Foster and the charging Kline.
Kline immediately appealed the decision. Speaking in front of his locker Thursday, the left-hander said, “It’s a joke. I’ve seen worse than what I did. … Sheffield only gets two games and I get four for something I don’t even know what I did yet? Go figure.”
Sheffield was ejected after being called out at first base by umpire C.B. Bucknor Sunday against the Mets.
Sheffield threw his helmet after he was called out, and replays showed he appeared to beat the throw.
Both players were also fined, Kline $3,000 and Sheffield $2,000.
Nats put Church on DL
The Washington Nationals placed outfielder Ryan Church on the 15-day disabled list and recalled infielder Rick Short from Triple-A New Orleans.
Church hurt his shoulder June 22 when he crashed into the wall while making a game-ending catch against Pittsburgh. His placement on the DL is retroactive to June 23.
On Thursday, shortstop Cristian Guzman strained his left hamstring running out a bunt in the eighth inning of the Nationals’ 7-5 win over Pittsburgh. Guzman will travel with the team to Chicago but may not be able to play until Sunday.
Yankees designate pitchers
The Yankees designated for assignment veteran relievers Mike Stanton and Paul Quantrill, meaning they will be put on waivers and likely released. Outfielder Bubba Crosby and left-handed pitcher Wayne Franklin were summoned from Triple-A Columbus.
Associated Press