Perez Drops Suspension Appeal

Atlanta Brave catcher Eddie Perez withdrew his appeal of a four-game suspension and began serving the penalty Saturday. Because a suspended player can’t be replaced on the 25-man roster, the Braves had to recall catcher Pascual Matos from triple-A Richmond and option first baseman Randall Simon to Richmond, where he will have to spend a minimum of 10 days.

Perez was suspended and fined $1,000 for triggering a brawl in a game with the Philadelphia Phillies on July 30. He originally appealed the suspension, but decided it was futile to wait for a hearing in New York. Also, the hearing would not have been held until the Braves visited the Mets the final week of the regular season. The Mets lead the Braves by a half-game in the NL East.

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Cleveland put outfielders Jacob Cruz, who may have been lost for the season after tearing a thumb ligament Friday night, and Kenny Lofton on the disabled list. Lofton hasn’t played since injuring his hamstring July 27 and could be eligible to return Wednesday. . . . The Seattle Mariners recalled right-handed pitcher Todd Williams from triple-A Tacoma and optioned outfielder Shane Monahan to Tacoma.

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The Chicago Cubs said they are willing to open the 2000 baseball season with a two-game series against the New York Mets in Japan if details such as flight schedules and days off can be worked out with the players’ union. . . . Florida Marlin owner John Henry announced six sites under consideration for his team’s new ballpark, two of which are in downtown Miami, and said he’ll pay for the entire $400-million project himself, if necessary.

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Colorado activated infielder Kurt Abbott from the disabled list and optioned infielder Chris Sexton to triple-A Colorado Springs. Abbott suffered a slight concussion July 22. . . . Philadelphia put pitcher Steve Montgomery on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 4, because of a strained right groin. Pitcher Billy Brewer replaced Montgomery on the roster.