Orioles’ Wigginton has suspension cut to 2 games, Dodgers’ Kershaw still to serve 5

Wigginton penalty now 2 games, Kershaw stays at 5

NEW YORK — Baltimore infielder Ty Wigginton has had his suspension cut to two games while Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is set to sit out five games.

Both players originally appealed their penalties from last week. Major League Baseball announced the outcomes Monday.

Wigginton’s suspension was reduced from three games after he agreed to drop his appeal.

“I got a phone call saying it could be reduced to two games and would I be willing to do that,” Wigginton said. “I said, ‘Yeah.’ I’m just glad to put the whole thing behind me. The sooner I could get back on the field, the better.”

Jake Fox replaced Wigginton at first base and batted eighth in Monday’s game at Toronto.

Wigginton was suspended for making contact with umpire Gary Darling while arguing a call during last Thursday’s 5-0 home loss to Minnesota. Manager Juan Samuel and pitching coach Rick Kranitz were also ejected in a separate incident.

Darling later acknowledged he missed the call that led to Wigginton’s ejection, when he ruled J.J. Hardy safe at first as he made a dive back to first after stopping a steal attempt.

Wigginton threw off his cap and yelled until he became red in the face, stopping only after Samuel forcefully pulled him away. Wigginton tossed the ball into the stands as he walked off the field.

A nine-year veteran who played in this month’s All-Star game, Wigginton is batting .249 with 16 home runs and 49 RBIs in 93 games.

Kershaw was penalized five games for throwing at San Francisco’s Aaron Rowand. MLB consulted with the players’ union and the Dodgers, and left the suspension intact. His penalty will start with Tuesday night’s game at San Diego.

Kershaw pitched eight innings Sunday as the Dodgers beat the Mets 1-0.