Yankees’ Burnett suspended 6 games, appeals
NEW YORK - Yankees pitcher A.J. Burnett was suspended six games Thursday for throwing high-and-tight to Texas' Nelson Cruz earlier this week.
Burnett appealed the penalty, which had been set to take effect immediately. He can continue to pitch until a hearing is held.
"You kind of expect something to happen when the ball comes that close," Burnett said before New York played the Rangers in the series finale.
Burnett said it was the first time he'd been suspended. He seemed a bit surprised by the severity, and said his first reaction when told was: "Really?"
Burnett sailed a fastball near the head of Cruz during a 12-3 win Tuesday night. Earlier in the game, Texas' Vicente Padilla twice hit Mark Teixeira with pitches.
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