NEW YORK — Yankees reliever LaTroy Hawkins began serving a three-game suspension tonight against Kansas City after his penalty was upheld by the commissioner's office.

Hawkins was disciplined for throwing at Baltimore's Luke Scott last month. The right-hander had his appeal hearing Tuesday, but the length of the suspension was not reduced.

"I'm disappointed, but you move forward," New York manager Joe Girardi said. "You move forward and you find a way to use your bullpen one guy short."

Hawkins is 1-1 with a 6.08 ERA in 22 games.

The Yankees also placed reliever Chris Britton on the 15-day disabled list and recalled right-hander Dan Giese from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Girardi said Britton pulled a ribcage muscle on his left side while warming up in the bullpen Thursday. New York was hoping Giese would get to Yankee Stadium in time to be available against the Royals.

Giese had just been optioned back to Triple-A on Wednesday when the team activated catcher Jorge Posada from the DL.

Giese was called up to pitch Tuesday night in relief of Joba Chamberlain, who was on a short pitch count in his first big league start. Giese allowed one run and five hits in 3 2/3 innings, taking the loss in Toronto's 9-3 victory.

Britton is 0-0 with a 1.29 ERA in seven innings spanning four relief appearances with the Yankees this season.