Rodriguez left fuming
It’s only one game, but it’s a big deal to the Tigers.
Detroit catcher Ivan Rodriguez was incredulous and manager Jim Leyland was irate at what both feel is an unjustified one-game suspension issued Saturday by Major League Baseball. Rodriguez was suspended for making contact with an umpire during a game against the Seattle Mariners on Thursday.
Rodriguez, who was also fined an undisclosed amount, was ejected from Thursday’s game in the fourth inning for arguing that he was interfered with while trying to throw out a base stealer.
“It’s not right,” Rodriguez said, adding he will appeal. The appeal will be heard by Bob Watson, baseball’s vice president in charge of discipline.
Mets will honor Kiner
Ralph Kiner was in the New York Mets’ broadcast booth before they played at Shea Stadium, and he’ll be there after the team moves to Citi Field in 2009.
On Ralph Kiner Night the Mets announced that their new broadcast booth will be named for the Hall of Fame slugger whose trademark postgame show, Kiner’s Korner, became synonymous with summers in Queens.
Checking out early
Milwaukee All-Star Ben Sheets left the game against the Colorado Rockies in the fourth inning with a sprained middle finger on his right hand.
“Pittsburgh third baseman Jose Bautista left the game against the Atlanta Braves after cutting his left hand on Chipper Jones’ spiked cleat while sliding into third base.
“Chicago Cubs right fielder Cliff Floyd came out the game against the Houston Astros after diving for a ball and straining his left shoulder in the first inning.
Clearing the bases
Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton was back at work, one day after an irregular heartbeat gave him a scare. Pendleton was examined at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta and has scheduled a follow-up ultrasound in a couple of weeks, he said. … The Baltimore Orioles placed third baseman Melvin Mora on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left foot. … Oakland outfielder Travis Buck of Richland, was activated from the 15-day disabled list and infielder J.J. Furmaniak was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. Buck has been on the DL since June 28 with a sprained right thumb.