Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Kline was suspended for four games, and New York Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield for two by the commissioner's office Thursday. Kline was ejected following a balk call Monday night in Baltimore, when he angrily protested the decision by plate umpire Marty Foster. Sheffield was ejected after being called out at first base by umpire C.B. Bucknor in Sunday's game against the Mets at Yankee Stadium. Sheffield threw his helmet after he was called out, and replays showed he appeared to beat the throw.
Relievers Mike Stanton and Paul Quantrill became the first victims of the New York Yankees' roster shakeup. The ineffective relievers were designated for assignment, giving the Yankees 10 days to trade them or place them on waivers. New York will fill their roster spots by recalling outfielder Bubba Crosby from Triple-A Columbus and purchasing the contract of left-hander Wayne Franklin from the Clippers.
The Washington Nationals placed outfielder Ryan Church on the 15-day disabled list and recalled infielder Rick Short from Triple-A New Orleans.
Right-hander Pedro Astacio signed a minor-league contract with the San Diego Padres yesterday, nine days after he was released by the Texas Rangers. He is scheduled to report to Triple-A Portland today.
The Chicago White Sox placed reliever Damaso Marte on the 15-day disabled list with an inflamed muscle on the left side of his upper back. To replace him, the White Sox recalled Kevin Walker from Triple-A Charlotte.
