Torii Hunter Drops Appeal Of Suspension
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Minnesota outfielder Torii Hunter dropped the appeal of his two-game suspension and started serving it Saturday.
Hunter was in the original lineup for Saturday's game at Texas. His decision was announced by the Twins about an hour before the scheduled first pitch in the middle game of a three-game series.
After sitting out consecutive day games Saturday and Sunday, Hunter will be reinstated before Monday's game at St. Louis.
Major League Baseball on Friday suspended Hunter and also fined him an undisclosed amount for his equipment-throwing tantrum during Wednesday's home game against Kansas City.
Hunter said Friday that he was appealing, calling the two-suspension a "little harsh" before playing in the game.
The announcement of his decision Saturday to drop the appeal came after the pregame access of reporters in the clubhouse had ended.
After being tossed by home plate umpire Mark Ripperger for arguing a called third strike in the eighth inning Wednesday night, Hunter had to be restrained briefly.
Hunter then yanked off his elbow pad, shin guard and batting gloves and threw them toward the batter's box. Before retreating to the dugout, he ripped off his jersey and threw that.
While Hunter is not allowed to be in the Twins clubhouse or dugout during the suspension, he lives in Prosper, Texas, which is only about 45 miles from the Rangers' ballpark.
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