By Adam McCalvy / MLB.comMILWAUKEE — Brewers first baseman and National League home run leader Prince Fielder was suspended three games by Major League Baseball for his run-in with umpire Wally Bell on Sunday in Houston.
The suspension is to begin immediately unless Fielder appeals, which he is likely to do.
The incident happened in the eighth inning of a tied game at Minute Maid Park, after Fielder was called out on strikes to end the inning. Fielder, who teammate Geoff Jenkins said was upset about a perceived bad call earlier in the game, said something to Bell and was ejected. Fielder became enraged and got into a shouting match with Bell, but later insisted he never made contact with the umpire.
With Tony Graffanino out for the season with a knee injury, the most likely replacement for a suspended Fielder at first base is Joe Dillon, a longtime Minor Leaguer who was promoted to the Brewers on July 31.
In a separate move, the Brewers recalled outfielder Gabe Gross from Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday and designated right-handed reliever Chris Spurling for assignment. Gross batted .355 in 20 games since a demotion to Nashville, belting four home runs.
The Brewers had been carrying 13 pitchers including Spurling. In 11 games since the All-Star break, Spurling had an 8.53 ERA and opponents were hitting .345 against him. He surrendered two runs in Tuesday’s blowout loss to St. Louis.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
