Umpire suspended for bumping Manuel

NEW YORK — Umpire Brian Runge was suspended for one game Thursday for bumping into New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel before ejecting him earlier in the week.

Manuel and center fielder Carlos Beltran also were fined by Major League Baseball for arguing with Runge in the fourth inning of the Mets' game against the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday.

Beltran started talking to Runge after he took two called strikes from R.A. Dickey to begin the inning. Runge took off his mask and continued the dialogue before he brushed dirt off home plate. Manuel then came out and started arguing.

Runge bumped into Manuel before throwing him out of the game. The manager walked to the bench after getting a few more words in as the Shea Stadium crowd roared.

Beltran continued the conversation and Runge quickly threw him out. An incensed Beltran then got in Runge's face and had to be held back before Manuel came out to escort the All-Star to the dugout.

MLB said Runge's suspension will be served immediately.

— AP