LOS ANGELES — Yorvit Torrealba fought Matt Kemp. Now, he will fight the law over his punishment. The Rockies catcher is appealing a three-game suspension for his role in Tuesday’s scuffle with Kemp at Dodger Stadium.
“We feel that the penalty is too severe,” agent Melvin Roman told The Denver Post today. “We will wait to see what happens next.”
Kemp was suspended for four games and also plans to appeal the ruling. Torrealba hoped to avoid discipline based on Kemp’s admission after the fight that his “actions were stupid and out of frustration.” But only once in Major League Baseball discipline czar Bob Watson’s tenure has a player involved in a fight avoided suspension — Los Angeles Angels’ pitcher John Lackey was fined after Oakland’s Jason Kendall charged the mound a few years ago.
Torrealba’s appeal will be heard quickly, though the catcher plans to play Friday night against Milwaukee at Coors Field. He wanted to remain active because the team is finally showing signs of life — two consecutive wins on gems pitched by Jeff Francis and Aaron Cook capped the forgettable road trip. Torrealba has doubled in each of his last three starts.
Edwin Bellorin will likely be called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs to replace Torrealba if any or all of his suspension is upheld.
Holliday delayed
Matt Holliday’s rehab assignment in Triple-A Colorado Springs has been delayed until Friday because of bad weather. Holliday plans to test his strained hamstring for three Triple-A games and rejoin the Rockies on Tuesday.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
