Burnett Suspended 6 Games
I'm kind of torn about this one. :orely:
I know Burnett was sending a message to the Rangers about throwing at Teixiera, and I know that bean ball goes back a long way, but it's been pretty well established that you don't throw at a guy's head.
If Burnett plunked the guy in the ribs or threw it behind him I'd be completely supportive, but I can understand the suspension for throwing near someone's head. That crosses the line to where someone could be seriously injured.
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http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4230518
Burnett appealing 6-game suspension
Yankees pitcher A.J. Burnett has been suspended six games for throwing a pitch over the head of the Rangers' Nelson Cruz in Tuesday night's game. Burnett has filed an appeal of the penalty, however, and will be allowed to pitch until the appeals process is complete.
Rangers pitcher Vicente Padilla, who hit Yankees slugger Mark Teixeira with two pitches Tuesday, was fined an undisclosed amount.
Teixeira was hit below the right shoulder by Padilla in the second inning. Then he was hit on the buttocks in the fourth.
Burnett threw a pitch over the head of Cruz in the fifth that sent the cleanup hitter sprawling, prompting plate umpire Doug Eddings to warn both dugouts. Cruz had put the Rangers ahead 3-2 with a three-run homer in the third.
"I got to pitch in," Burnett said. "Warnings are warnings, man. It doesn't bother me."
But Teixeira hinted there was more to it.
"I think there was a little message sent," he said.
Rangers manager Ron Washington defended Padilla, who was activated before the game and allowed seven runs, seven hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings.
"I guess he was trying to get inside on him, keep him from diving over the plate," Washington said.