Braves reliever Jose Ramirez suspended three games by MLB

After Jose Fernandez gets brushed back, he hits Nick Markakis, then gets a pitch thrown behind him, causing the benches to clear in Atlanta.

NEW YORK — Atlanta Braves reliever Jose Ramirez has been given a three-game suspension by Major League Baseball for throwing a pitch near the head of Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez.

The commissioner’s office says Ramirez has decided to appeal, so he remains eligible to pitch until the process is complete.

The announcement was made Friday by MLB senior vice-president Joe Garagiola Jr.

Atlanta’s Nick Markakis and Miami’s Martin Prado were hit by pitches during a testy game between the teams Wednesday night. In the seventh inning, Fernandez was batting when he ducked under a high pitch from Ramirez, who was ejected.

Both benches emptied during a brief fracas, but no punches were thrown.

Sportsnet.ca no longer supports comments.