Torii Hunter suspended two games, will appeal

— -- Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter has been suspended two games and fined for his outburst toward umpire Mark Ripperger on Wednesday, Major League Baseball announced.

Hunter has appealed the suspension, and he will be available to play Friday in the Twins' game against the Texas Rangers.

He was thrown out of Wednesday night's game for arguing a called third strike late in the Twins' loss to the Royals, became animated and needed to be briefly restrained in the aftermath. Hunter yanked off his elbow pad, shin guard and batting gloves and threw them toward the batter's box after the ejection. He also ripped off his jersey and tossed that over the first-base line before retreating to the dugout.

"We have bad days, all of us, as hitters, pitchers," Hunter said Wednesday. "Even umpires have bad days, and he had one."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.