=== Batista's 10-game suspension upheld === New York, NY (My Sportsbook) - The 10-game suspension handed to Arizona pitcher Miguel Batista was upheld on Thursday and he will begin serving the penalty this Friday. Batista was given the suspension for his participation in a fighting incident during a game between Arizona and St. Louis on April 20 at Busch Stadium. He appealed the ruling, but Major League Baseball President and Chief Operating Officer Bob DuPuy upheld the suspension and reduced Batista's fine an undisclosed amount. The ruling means Batista is not eligible to return to the Diamondbacks until the June 3 game against the Chicago White Sox at Bank One Ballpark. Batista had pitched in Wednesday night's game against San Francisco and took the loss, dropping his record to 3-3 with a 3.24 ERA over 14 games, including eight starts. In the bottom of the fifth inning of the game on April 20, Batista hit Tino Martinez in the shoulder with a 1-0 pitch. Martinez jawed at the pitcher as he strolled to first base, but cooler heads prevailed for the time being. J.D. Drew then grounded into a fielder's choice, forcing Martinez out at second. As he jogged to the dugout, Martinez turned and charged Batista, who hurled the baseball in his direction. The two players threw, but did not land any punches before the benches cleared and order was restored. Batista and Martinez were both thrown out of the game. Martinez drew a four-game suspension, which was later reduced to three after he dropped his appeal. |
