Pudge begins serving two-game suspension

09/10/2008 3:15 PM ET
Pudge begins serving suspension
Catcher sits out Wednesday's finale in aftermath of scuffle
By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com

ANAHEIM -- Yankees catcher Ivan Rodriguez opted to immediately begin serving a two-game suspension for his actions in an on-field incident, sitting out on Wednesday for a series finale at Angel Stadium.

Rodriguez and Angels outfielder Torii Hunter were each hit by Major League Baseball with two-game bans and undisclosed fines for what were termed "violent and inappropriate actions" in the sixth inning of Monday's contest in Anaheim.

Rodriguez was given the choice to appeal the suspension or not, but decided to sit out the Yankees' game on Wednesday and also New York's game at Yankee Stadium against the Rays on Friday. He said the two games were a "short suspension."

"I knew that would happen. I just took it right away," Rodriguez said. "That way, I can just take the two days and finish [the season]. It's part of the game."

The play occurred in the sixth inning of the Angels' 12-1 victory over New York, as part of a six-run frame that broke the game open. Hunter stole a pair of bases on Rodriguez before Mike Napoli hit a tapper to third base. The throw came home and Rodriguez tagged out Hunter on a hard play as the outfielder came in, elbows high.

Hunter stepped on a bat, which may have pushed him in Rodriguez's direction. The two appeared to tap each other before Rodriguez -- walking toward the mound -- jabbed at Hunter, striking his body. Hunter charged Rodriguez and gave him a two-handed shove in the back, setting off an incident that lasted several minutes and led to ejections for both.

In addition, Angels pitcher John Lackey -- not ejected from the game -- was fined an undisclosed amount for his actions. The announcements were made by Bob Watson, Major League Baseball's vice president of on-field operations.

"I'm not surprised," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "It's two days. You expected something, because there was a skirmish. It's baseball, and we move on."

Rodriguez said that his sore neck -- believed to have been incurred with Hunter's push -- had improved and was not the reason he chose to serve the suspension. Jose Molina was in New York's starting lineup on Wednesday as the club completes a 10-game, four-city road trip before returning for the final regular-season homestand at Yankee Stadium.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.