Suspension reduced for Martinez

ST. LOUIS -- Tino Martinez's four-game suspension for punching a pitcher was reduced by a game Tuesday on the condition the Cardinals' first baseman begin serving it immediately.

That means he'll miss the three-game series with the New York Mets that began Tuesday night.

"I think this is a real penalty to our club," manager Tony La Russa said. "I don't want to minimize it, but what can you do about it? There is no good time to lose him."

Martinez was penalized for trading punches with Arizona pitcher Miguel Batista after he was hit by a pitch during a game April 20. Batista was suspended for 10 games.

"I thought I did the right thing," Martinez said. "I have no regrets. The only bad thing is having to miss these games. I thought he ignited the whole thing."

He dropped his appeal after conversations with La Russa, Bob Watson and Bob Dupuy. Watson is baseball's disciplinarian; Dupuy is baseball's chief operating officer.

Batista hit Martinez in the right shoulder blade in the fifth inning of Arizona's 1-0 win in St. Louis. The two exchanged words from a distance as Martinez went to first. After Martinez was forced at second, he suddenly made a right turn toward Batista.

Martinez is batting .337 with two home runs and nine RBIs, including a career-high five hits in the Cardinals' 7-6, 20-inning victory at Florida on Sunday.

"I'm swinging the bat well and feeling good," Martinez said. "That's the disappointing part. But I'll be fine."

Also suspended were Cardinals pitcher Jeff Fassero, for three games, and La Russa, for one, which he served Saturday.

All four were fined, along with Cardinals catcher Mike Matheny and Diamondbacks coach Eddie Rodriguez.