NEW YORK (AP) — Atlanta Braves pitcher Jonny Venters was suspended for four games and fined by Major League Baseball on Monday for throwing consecutive pitches at Milwaukee's Prince Fielder last weekend.
Baseball's vice president in charge of discipline, Bob Watson, also said Braves manager Bobby Cox has been suspended for one game.
Cox will serve the suspension during Tuesday's game against San Diego. Venters will start his penalty Tuesday unless the players' association appeals.
"I think it's in everybody's best interests that the physical well-being of the players should be foremost," Brewers manager Ken Macha said. "My point of view is that it behooves everybody that Prince is able to go out and play all 162 and not have a broken wrist or dislocated back."
Venters and Cox were ejected for their actions Saturday. Cox's ejection was his record 156th and third this season.
One inning after Fielder's homer started a five-run inning for the Brewers in a 6-3 win, Venters threw a pitch over his head. Plate umpire Angel Hernandez warned both benches and Venters hit Fielder in the back with the next pitch.
Cox earned an automatic ejection when he came out of the dugout to argue. Watson said he was suspended for Venters' intentional actions after a warning had been issued.
"I don't really care," Fielder said.
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