Kerry Wood's suspension upheld

NEW YORK, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Major League Baseball has upheld a five-day suspension and $1,000 fine for Chicago Cubs righthander Kerry Wood for questioning a call.

The infraction occurred in the top of the ninth during an April 17 game against Cincinnati.

Wood had appealed the penalty, handed down in mid-May.

In the contest, Wood, upset over a ball and strike call by Eric Cooper, gestured angrily and yelled at the plate umpire, and had to be controlled by a teammate, catcher Michael Barrett.

The team reported on its Web site that Wood's argument during his appeal was that the penalty should be reduced because there was no physical contact with the umpire.

Wood, who later was ejected after charging Cooper, has since apologized. The suspension takes effect Tuesday.

Wood will miss his scheduled start Friday against Houston.

"I'm very disappointed and feel strongly there should be no suspension," said General Manager Jim Hendry.