Twins pitcher Radke suspended five games

New York — Minnesota pitcher Brad Radke was suspended for five games and Tampa Bay pitcher Nick Bierbrodt for three by major league baseball Friday for hitting batters in the same game.

Tampa Bay manager Lou Piniella and Minnesota coach Scott Ullger were suspended for one game each. All were fined, as was Devil Rays pitcher Seth McClung.

Radke immediately appealed, delaying any suspension until after a hearing with Bob DuPuy, baseball’s chief operating officer. Bierbrodt decided not to appeal and started his suspension Friday night.

Piniella, who also declined to appeal, will serve his penalty today.

“Truthfully, I think it is ludicrous,” Piniella said.

Yankees’ Jeter to take batting practice Sunday

Tampa, Fla. — Derek Jeter expects to take batting practice for the first time Sunday during his rehabilitation from a dislocated left shoulder.

The New York Yankees’ All-Star shortstop was hurt in a collision in the season opener.