New York, NY – Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Scott Diamond has been suspended six games and fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball for throwing a pitch at the head of Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton Thursday night.
As Hamilton came to the plate with out in the bottom of the third inning, he said something to catcher Joe Mauer. Diamond's first pitch went over the head of Hamilton.
Home plate umpire Wally Bell immediately ejected Diamond and then Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, who came out of the dugout to argue.
In the top of the third, Mauer was hit square in the upper back on a 3-0 pitch from Rangers starter Roy Oswalt.
Diamond, who is 10-5 with a 3.04 ERA in 20 starts this year, was due to begin his suspension Friday night. but he elected to file an appeal. His suspension won't begin until the appeal process is complete.
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