New York, NY (Best E Casino) - Detroit Tigers designated hitter Gary Sheffield was suspended four games by Major League Baseball for his actions in Friday's Tigers-Indians contest in Cleveland.

A total of four players were suspended stemming from the brawl in Friday's game. Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona was suspended six games, while Indians catcher Victor Martinez and infielder Asdrubal Cabrera both received three- game suspensions.

Sheffield did not appeal the decision and started serving the suspension immediately as the Tigers opened a three-game home series with the Kansas City Royals.

In the seventh inning of the 6-5 Indians victory, the excitable 39-year-old was hit by a Carmona pitch. Before throwing a pitch to the next batter, Carmona attempted to pick Sheffield off at first, angering the slugger, who told him to throw a pitch instead. Carmona and Sheffield appeared to exchange words, and Sheffield then charged the mound, lunging at Carmona as both benches and bullpens cleared.

Four players were ejected as a result of the melee: Sheffield, Tigers infielder Placido Polanco along with Carmona and Martinez.

Sheffield is hitting an anemic .223 with 17 home runs and 54 RBI in 110 games for Detroit this season. He's three homers shy of 500 for his career.

Carmona and Martinez, whose suspensions were to start Monday night, opted to appeal the ruling. Cabrera's suspension is scheduled to begin Thursday, but he hasn't decided on whether or not to appeal.