Morgan Decides That He’ll Appeal

Boston Red Sox Manager Joe Morgan changed course Wednesday and decided to appeal his three-game suspension, leaving him in the dugout at least until a hearing next week.

Morgan managed the Red Sox to a 4-1 victory over the New York Yankees Wednesday night at Boston. Morgan can stay with the Red Sox until he meets Tuesday in New York with American League President Bobby Brown.

On Tuesday, Brown suspended Morgan for supporting a brushback pitch that led to a bench-clearing brawl Sunday in Cleveland. At the time, Morgan said he would not contest the penalty.

Morgan appealed Wednesday. He did not offer an explanation.

“You’ll have to talk to the other boys about it,” he said, suggesting Boston’s front office.

In a statement, Brown said, “The fact that pitchers throw close to hitters and sometimes deliberately hit them is a known fact.”

“Nevertheless, it behooves the American League office to eliminate premeditated and announced violence. This cannot be condoned, and increasing suspensions and fines will be imposed if the practice continues,” Brown said.