Tigers' Sheffield suspended four games
Sports Network | September 22, 2008
New York, NY (Sports Network) - Detroit Tigers designated hitter Gary Sheffield was suspended four games by Major League Baseball for his actions in Friday's Tigers-Indians contest in Cleveland.
Sheffield will not appeal the decision and will serve the suspension immediately as the Tigers open up a three-game home series with the Kansas City Royals.
In the seventh inning of the 6-5 Indians victory, the excitable 39-year-old was hit by a Fausto Carmona pitch. Before throwing a pitch to the next batter, Carmona attempted to pick Sheffield off at first, angering the slugger, who told him to throw a pitch instead. Carmona and Sheffield appeared to exchange words, and Sheffield then charged the mound, lunging at Carmona as both benches and bullpens cleared.
Four players were ejected as a result of the melee: Sheffield, Tigers infielder Placido Polanco along with Carmona and Indians catcher Victor Martinez.
Sheffield is hitting an anemic .223 with 17 home runs and 54 RBI in 110 games for Detroit this season.
