Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp was suspended for four games and Colorado catcher Yorvit Torrealba was penalized three games yesterday following their tussle earlier this week.

Both players also were fined undisclosed amounts by Major League Baseball disciplinarian Bob Watson.

Kemp appealed his suspension, allowing him to play until a hearing is held. He was in the starting lineup last night for the opener of a four-game series against the Chicago Cubs.

"That's what they decided to do, so I have to respect that. But I feel it was just as much his fault as my fault," Kemp said. "I don't feel that I should get more, but it's not my decision. That's why I'm appealing it. I didn't know it was going to be that many games, but we'll see what happens."

The Rockies were informed that Torrealba plans to appeal his suspension as well. The team was off yesterday before beginning a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers tonight.

Kemp and Torrealba tangled Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. Kemp struck out on a pitch in the dirt for the final out of the eighth inning, and the ball rolled a few feet to the right of Torrealba.

Torrealba brushed Kemp from behind before picking up the ball and tagging him lightly in the chest. Kemp shoved Torrealba, and the Rockies catcher retaliated by shoving Kemp in the face with both hands.

Kemp and Torrealba wrestled on the infield grass as both benches and bullpens emptied. Both players were ejected in the Rockies' 3-0 win.

SHORT HOPS

Pittsburgh's Jason Michaels hit a three-run homer last night in the first inning against Houston, giving him two homers and seven RBIs in a span of two at-bats. The backup outfielder hadn't batted since hitting a pinch-hit grand slam in the seventh inning of the Pirates' 5-4 victory in St. Louis on Monday. ... St. Louis relief pitcher Mark Worrell hit a three-run homer in his first major league at-bat in the sixth inning, but Washington won the second game of a doubleheader, 10-9, in 10 innings. ... Minnesota shortstop Nick Punto was sent back to the 15-day disabled list yesterday with a strained left hamstring.