ARLINGTON, Texas — Yankees pitcher Tanyon Sturtze dropped his appeal of a three-game suspension and began serving the penalty when New York played Texas Thursday night.
Sturtze was one of eight players disciplined — including five suspensions — after a fight between the Yankees and Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park July 24.
Sturtze made a spot start Wednesday night and was the winning pitcher as New York beat Texas 4-2. He pitched five innings and gave up two runs and five hits.
After the game, Yankees manager Joe Torre discussed the suspension with Sturtze.
"We decided to take it now and get it over with," Sturtze said.
Acquired in mid-May from the Los Angeles Dodgers for a player to be named, Sturtze is 4-2 with a 5.10 ERA. He has pitched in 16 games, including three starts.
"We talked about it and it made sense at this point in time," Torre said. "I'm glad we can get the suspension out of the way."
The Yankees-Red Sox brawl started after Bronson Arroyo hit Alex Rodriguez with a pitch. Rodriguez and Boston catcher Jason Varitek scuffled, and several scrums erupted.
Boston outfielder Gabe Kapler tussled with Sturtze, joined by Trot Nixon and David Ortiz of the Red Sox.