Arizona's Kennedy among eight suspended by National League

NEW YORK, June 14 (UPI) -- Arizona pitcher Ian Kennedy was suspended 10 games, one of eight players and coaches suspended following the Diamondback's brawl with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Kennedy was given the longest suspension since it was his pitch that hit Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig in the face that started a series of events culminating in the benches-clearing fight.

Kennedy hit Puig with a pitch in the sixth inning of Tuesday's game. While Puig was able to stay in the game, Los Angeles pitcher Zack Greinke responded by hitting Miguel Montero the next inning. Both benches briefly cleared but order was restored until Kennedy threw at Greinke near his left shoulder and head in the bottom of the seventh.

Both benches quickly emptied and a lengthy brawl took place involving players, coaches and the team managers.

Six people, including Kennedy and Puig, were ejected from the game by umpires.

Friday the league office handed down additional punishments. In addition to suspending Kennedy for 10 games, Arizona infielder Eric Hinske was suspended for five games for leaving the dugout and other aggressive actions. Los Angeles pitcher J.P. Howell and utility player Skip Schumaker were given two-game suspensions.

Dodgers hitting coach Mark McGwire was also given a two-game ban while pitcher Ronald Belisario, Los Angeles Manager Don Mattingly and Arizona Manager Kirk Gibson were each suspended for one game.

Monetary fines were levied against all those suspended as well as on Greinke, Puig, Montero and Arizona outfielder Gerardo Parra.