New York, NY – Major League Baseball handed down one-game suspensions to Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez and Atlanta Braves outfielder Reed Johnson for their roles in a benches clearing incident on Wednesday.
Gomez set off the scuffle when he stared down his 23rd home run of the season off Braves starter Paul Maholm in the first inning of an eventual 4-0 Brewers victory. He then jawed with every other member of the Braves' infield while taking his turn around the bases before being confronted by catcher Brian McCann.
Both benches cleared, but order was quickly restored. Gomez was credited with the homer despite never appearing to touch home plate.
Apparently miffed at Maholm, whom Gomez says intentionally hit him with a pitch back on June 23 in Milwaukee, the Brewers outfielder shoved Johnson once the benches emptied. The two suspended players were also fined an undisclosed amount.
Both suspensions are scheduled to begin on Thursday.
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