New York ? Kansas City Royals backup catcher Mike DiFelice was suspended for two games and fined Monday for throwing coolers and a trash can onto the field after he was ejected from a game against Minnesota Aug. 16.

DiFelice appeared to tag Minnesota’s Torii Hunter in a close play at the plate in the Twins’ 14-5 win, but umpire Jerry Layne ruled Hunter was safe and ejected DiFelice when the catcher argued.

His suspension will begin today, unless he appeals. The Royals, who are a game behind Chicago and a half-game ahead of Minnesota in the AL Central race, were off Monday.