NEW YORK (AP) -Baltimore's Jay Payton was suspended two games by Major League Baseball on Thursday for throwing his bat and helmet after he was ejected for arguing with plate umpire Mike Reilly following a strikeout the previous night.

His suspension was scheduled to begin Thursday night, when the Orioles played at Texas, but Payton had the right to appeal and continue playing.

Payton was also ejected on Monday night.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.