NEW YORK (AP) -- Boston right-hander Josh Beckett was stunned yesterday after receiving a six-game suspension from Major League Baseball, which determined he intentionally threw a pitch near the head of the Los Angeles Angels' Bobby Abreu last week.
Beckett, who immediately appealed the ruling, also was fined an undisclosed amount and cited for "aggressive actions" after the pitch that led to the benches clearing Sunday, according to Bob Watson, vice president for discipline in the commissioner's office. "We were pretty shocked," Beckett said before the Red Sox's game against the Athletics in Oakland, Calif. "I think the appeal speaks for everything that we feel. I respect the job they have to do, but I don't agree."
Any suspension wouldn't begin until after Beckett's appeal is decided, likely allowing him to make his next scheduled start on Saturday against Baltimore.
Angels hitting coach Mickey Hatcher was suspended for one game and fined. He served the penalty last night at Seattle. In addition, Watson fined Angels manager Mike Scioscia and players Torii Hunter and Justin Speier.
BOSTON (AP) -- The Red Sox optioned infielder Travis Denker to Triple-A Pawtucket after claiming him off waivers from the San Diego Padres. To make room for Denker on the 40-man roster, General Manager Theo Epstein said right-hander Miguel Gonzalez was being transferred to the 60-day disabled list after elbow surgery.
