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Piazza suspension reduced to four games

NEW YORK, April 1 (UPI) -- The New York Mets learned Tuesday that the suspension of catcher Mike Piazza has been reduced from five games to four.

Piazza met with Major League Baseball President Bob DuPuy following Monday's 15-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs to appeal his suspension, stemming from a bench-clearing brawl in a March 12 Grapefruit League game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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"Naturally, I'm glad the suspension has been reduced," Piazza said. "I just want to put this all behind me so I can concentrate on baseball the rest of the season."

Piazza was suspended for charging Dodgers reliever Guillermo Mota after being hit by a pitch. Mota also was suspended five games, but had it knocked down to four without having to appeal.

Piazza attempted to enter the Dodgers' locker room after both players were ejected, but Mota already had left the ballpark.

"I was able to reason my position," Piazza had said Monday. "I can't say I'm optimistic, but I do believe we argued my case effectively."

The 10-time All-Star will serve a suspension for the first time in his career.

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He will miss games against the Cubs Wednesday and Thursday, and the first two games of the weekend series against Montreal.

The Mets kept three catchers on their 25-man roster.

Vance Wilson will start in Piazza's absence, and rookie Jason Phillips will serve as the backup.

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