NEW YORK, June 3 (UPI) -- Chicago Cubs Manager Lou Piniella was suspended Sunday for at least one game after his tirade Saturday during an 8-5 loss to Atlanta.
He was ejected for the first time this season after throwing his hat and kicking dirt on third base umpire Mark Wegner, who called Angel Pagan out on a close play during a base-stealing attempt in the bottom of the eighth.
Home plate umpire Bruce Froemming said Piniella made physical contact with Wegner.
"He made physical contact with his foot," Froemming told the Chicago Tribune. "He kicked dirt on (Wegner) several times. The whole world saw what he did. It was a terrible display of disrespect."
Piniella later admitted Wegner made the right call, but added he never made contact and was determined to argue because Pagan looked safe from the dugout.
The Cubs entered Sunday's three-game finale against the Braves with a six-game losing streak.
Piniella will meet with Major League Baseball officials Monday in New York.
