Players Appealing Suspensions

Boston pitcher Frank Castillo was suspended Tuesday for five games for hitting a batter Sunday, and teammate Trot Nixon was suspended for four games for throwing his bat at a Tampa Bay pitcher.

They were fined by Bob Watson, baseball’s vice president in charge of discipline, as was Devil Ray pitcher Ryan Rupe. Watson said Rupe intentionally hit Nomar Garciaparra and Shea Hillenbrand with pitches.

The Major League Baseball Players Assn. appealed, meaning the suspensions cannot start until after a hearing before Bob DuPuy, baseball’s chief operating officer.

Rupe denied he intentionally threw at Garciaparra or Hillenbrand, who had hit a pinch-hit grand slam to win the previous night’s game.

“My intentions were not to hurt anyone or hit anyone,” Rupe said, adding that he didn’t believe Nixon and Castillo should have been suspended for their actions.

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Cincinnati put pitcher Joey Hamilton on the disabled list because of a strained left hamstring.... Baltimore designated hitter David Segui said he has a torn tendon in his left wrist and will need surgery.... Kansas City put catcher Brent Mayne on the disabled list because of back spasms.... San Francisco put outfielder Shawon Dunston on the disabled list because of a strained left ribcage.