CHICAGO, June 1 (UPI) -- The Chicago Cubs will discipline pitcher Carlos Zambrano and catcher Michael Barrett after their tussle during Friday's 8-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
Zambrano, the losing pitcher, was pounded for seven runs and 13 hits in five innings. Five of those runs came in the top of the fifth, and Zambrano and Barrett nearly fought in the dugout afterward.
On their Web site, the Cubs said Zambrano confronted Barrett, pointed to his head, took a swing with an open palm, and ended up slapping the catcher.
Manager Lou Piniella and hitting coach Gerald Perry, as well as some players, had to separate the pair.
Team officials said Barrett was taken to a local hospital with a cut lip.
"As an organization, we're very disappointed about the incident," said Cubs assistant General Manager Randy Bush. "They're two highly competitive and caring individuals who put a lot into the game. Frustrations boil over. It can happen."
Bush did not say what form the discipline would take.
