NEW YORK — Seattle Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee has been suspended for the first five games of the regular season for throwing a pitch over the head of Arizona’s Chris Snyder in an exhibition game this week.

Lee is in his first season with Seattle. The former AL Cy Young winner was ejected from Monday’s game.
Major League Baseball vice president Bob Watson issued the suspension and a fine on Wednesday. If the players’ association appeals, the penalty would be delayed until after a hearing and a decision.