Catcher Torrealba suspended for 66 games

CARACAS, Venezuela, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- The Venezuelan Professional Baseball League Monday suspended Texas Rangers catcher Yorvit Torrealba for 66 games for hitting an umpire.

League President Jose Grasso Vecchio wrote on his Twitter account Torrealba was suspended after hitting the umpire in the mask Friday while playing winter ball for Leones del Caracas.

Vecchio said the Rangers' catcher apologized to the umpire and the league for the incident, which happened after he had struck out.

Torrealba, who backs up regular catcher Mike Napoli for Texas, compiled a .273 average with seven homers and 37 RBI in 113 games for the Rangers last season.