Rodriguez and Frank Robinson both suspended 
Does this make any sense at all?
Was Bud Selig behind this :missingte
HOUSTON (AP) -- Washington reliever Felix Rodriguez was suspended for three games and Nationals manager Frank Robinson for one for their roles in last week's game against the New York Mets in which five batters were hit by pitches.
Rodriguez and Robinson were both ejected at Shea Stadium last Thursday after the reliever hit Paul Lo Duca with a pitch in the eighth inning. Rodriguez and Robinson also were fined, as was outfielder Jose Guillen.
Robinson served his suspension during Monday's series finale against Houston. The Nationals were to return home after the game for Tuesday's home opener -- against the Mets.
Bench coach Eddie Rodriguez ran the team Monday.
"I wanted to get it out of the way," Robinson said. "That way, it's not hanging out there."
Rodriguez's suspension was to begin Wednesday, but the players' association said it will file an appeal, delaying any penalty until after a hearing.
A total of seven batters were hit during the series with the Mets.
Guillen, hit three times, pointed his bat at Pedro Martinez and approached the mound Thursday after Martinez nailed him for the second time. Plate umpire Ted Barrett and Lo Duca held back Guillen as the benches and bullpens emptied. Players ran onto the field quickly, but no punches were thrown.
Both dugouts were warned before Rodriguez plunked Lo Duca with first base open.
Bob Watson, baseball's vice president for on-field operations, met with Robinson Saturday in Houston. He said the fines and suspensions were automatic since both dugouts received warnings.
Robinson wanted to avoid serving his punishment during the Nationals' upcoming three-game series with the Mets.
Does this make any sense at all?
Was Bud Selig behind this :missingte
HOUSTON (AP) -- Washington reliever Felix Rodriguez was suspended for three games and Nationals manager Frank Robinson for one for their roles in last week's game against the New York Mets in which five batters were hit by pitches.
Rodriguez and Robinson were both ejected at Shea Stadium last Thursday after the reliever hit Paul Lo Duca with a pitch in the eighth inning. Rodriguez and Robinson also were fined, as was outfielder Jose Guillen.
Robinson served his suspension during Monday's series finale against Houston. The Nationals were to return home after the game for Tuesday's home opener -- against the Mets.
Bench coach Eddie Rodriguez ran the team Monday.
"I wanted to get it out of the way," Robinson said. "That way, it's not hanging out there."
Rodriguez's suspension was to begin Wednesday, but the players' association said it will file an appeal, delaying any penalty until after a hearing.
A total of seven batters were hit during the series with the Mets.
Guillen, hit three times, pointed his bat at Pedro Martinez and approached the mound Thursday after Martinez nailed him for the second time. Plate umpire Ted Barrett and Lo Duca held back Guillen as the benches and bullpens emptied. Players ran onto the field quickly, but no punches were thrown.
Both dugouts were warned before Rodriguez plunked Lo Duca with first base open.
Bob Watson, baseball's vice president for on-field operations, met with Robinson Saturday in Houston. He said the fines and suspensions were automatic since both dugouts received warnings.
Robinson wanted to avoid serving his punishment during the Nationals' upcoming three-game series with the Mets.
