Rays' Navarro suspended 2 games for umpire bump

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay catcher Dioner Navarro began serving a two-game suspension Tuesday for bumping an umpire during an argument.

Bob Watson, baseball's vice president for discipline, issued the suspension Tuesday. Navarro did not appeal and will also sit out Wednesday's finale of a two-game series against Oakland at Tropicana Field.

"Two games, get it over with. It's still early in the season. I don't want to be dealing with none of this stuff," Navarro said. "Let these two days pass and get back on track and try to keep helping the team win."

Navarro was ejected by plate umpire Dan Bellino during the sixth inning of Friday's game against Toronto for arguing a pitch to Adam Lind that was called a ball. Replays appeared to show the call was correct and Navarro made contact with Bellino.

Navarro said he did not believe the suspension was too severe.

"No. I was stupid. I acted unprofessionally. This is the price that I've got to pay," he said. "I'd rather play than being suspended, but that's what it is. It is what it is. You keep moving forward."

Tampa Bay optioned right-handed relief pitcher Mike Eckstrom to Triple-A Durham and recalled catcher Jose Lobaton from Double-A Montgomery to back up John Jaso while Navarro serves the suspension.

Navarro has not played since the ejection, missing two games last weekend because of soreness in his right leg.

The catcher, an AL All-Star two years ago, said his leg is feeling better and that he hopes to be ready play again Thursday, when the Rays open a series against Kansas City.