Braves reliever Jose Ramirez suspended 3 games by MLB

NEW YORK (AP) Atlanta Braves reliever Jose Ramirez has been given a three-game suspension by Major League Baseball for throwing a pitch near the head of Miami

NEW YORK (AP) Atlanta Braves reliever Jose Ramirez has been given a three-game suspension by Major League Baseball for throwing a pitch near the head of Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez.

The commissioner's office says Ramirez has decided to appeal, so he remains eligible to pitch until the process is complete.

The announcement was made Friday by MLB senior vice president Joe Garagiola Jr.

Atlanta's Nick Markakis and Miami's Martin Prado were hit by pitches during a testy game between the teams Wednesday night. In the seventh inning, Fernandez was batting when he ducked under a high pitch from Ramirez, who was ejected.

Both benches emptied during a brief fracas, but no punches were thrown.