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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 8:22 a.m., Thursday, June 5, 2008

MLB: Kemp, Torrealba suspended for tussling

Associated Press

NEW YORK — Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp was suspended for four games and Colorado catcher Yorvit Torrealba was penalized three games today following their tussle earlier this week.

Both players also were fined undisclosed amounts by Major League Baseball disciplinarian Bob Watson.

Unless they appeal, Kemp was to start his suspension tonight against the Chicago Cubs. Torrealba was set to begin tomorrow against Milwaukee.

Kemp and Torrealba tangled Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. Kemp struck out on a pitch in the dirt for the final out of the eighth inning, and the ball rolled a few feet to the right of Torrealba.

Torrealba brushed Kemp from behind before picking up the ball and tagging him lightly in the chest. Kemp shoved Torrealba, and the Rockies catcher retaliated by shoving Kemp in the face with both hands.

Kemp and Torrealba wrestled on the infield grass as both benches and bullpens emptied. Both players were ejected in the Rockies' 3-0 win.

"I'm not used to acting in that way. It's not in my character. It was out of frustration," Kemp said after the defeat. "We were losing the game and it was stupid — really stupid. It was not a good decision on my part. But it happened, and we have to deal with whatever happens after it."