Bard, Sheffield appeal suspensions

NEW YORK, June 1 (UPI) -- San Diego Padres catcher Josh Bard and Detroit Tigers right-fielder Gary Sheffield have appealed three-game suspensions after separate incidents Thursday.

Major League Baseball also fined both players an undisclosed amount.

Bard was suspended for "aggressive" actions in the top of the 11th inning of San Diego's 4-2 win over Pittsburgh. Sheffield was ejected for arguing a called strike in the fifth inning of Detroit's 11-5 loss in Cleveland.

Because of the appeals, both players were available Friday night -- Sheffield again against the Indians, and Bard in Washington.

Sheffield had to be restrained by teammate Ivan Rodriguez and Manager Jim Leyland after his banishment by home plate umpire Greg Gibson.

When he was ejected, Sheffield broke his bat and threw a splintered piece to the ground toward Gibson in disgust.

The suspensions will be effective when the appeals process is exhausted.