New York ? Boston Red Sox reliever Julian Tavarez was suspended for 10 days and fined for his role in a brawl this week.

Bob Watson, baseball’s vice president in charge of discipline, cited Tavarez for “violent and unsportsmanlike actions” during Monday’s game against the Devil Rays. Tavarez punched Tampa Bay’s Joey Gathright after a play at home plate.

The penalty would start Monday, unless the players’ association appeals.

In Surprise, Ariz., the Kansas City Royals traded second baseman Joe McEwing to the Houston Astros on Thursday for a player to be named later. McEwing became expendable after the Royals claimed Tony Graffanino off waivers.

In Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Anna Benson wants a divorce from Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kris Benson, who still thinks the New York Mets traded him because of his impulsive wife.

Anna Benson, an actress and model, filed for divorce in Atlanta on Thursday.

In Surprise, Ariz., Adam Eaton could be out of the Rangers’ rotation one to three months due to a strained tendon in the middle finger on his pitching hand.

In Phoenix, Milwaukee Brewers ace Ben Sheets will begin the season on the disabled list due to a strained muscle in his upper back.

In Viera, Fla., outfielder Michael Tucker was granted his unconditional release Thursday by the Washington Nationals, who made three other moves to get down to the 25-man active roster limit.