Zambrano won't appeal 6-game penalty

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CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano was suspended for six games by Major League Baseball on Thursday for his tirade this week during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Zambrano's agent, Barry Praver, said the penalty, which included a $3,000 fine, a source told ESPNChicago.com, will not be appealed. The suspension began Thursday night and barring rainouts Zambrano will be eligible to pitch next Thursday at Atlanta.

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The Cubs ace threw a baseball into left field, slammed his glove against the dugout fence, and used a bat to smash a Gatorade dispenser in the Cubs' dugout after he was ejected Wednesday with Chicago leading 2-1 in the seventh inning of a 5-2 victory Pittsburgh.

"I apologize for that. Like I said, I should have more control of myself in that situation," Zambrano said after the game. "I just wanted to get out of that inning and win the ballgame. I didn't say a bad word. I should have gone to the clubhouse and keep watching the game. I apologize for throwing the ball and the other things."

With Nyjer Morgan at third, Zambrano's wild pitch just got away from catcher Geovany Soto. Zambrano covered the plate for Soto's throw, Morgan slid and umpire Mark Carlson ruled him safe.

Zambrano jumped up, argued and was ejected after he appeared to nudge Carlson. Zambrano then pointed in Carlson's face and gave him the ejection sign.

He then fired a ball into left, tossed his glove and took a bat to a dugout drink dispenser before heading to the clubhouse.

Bob Watson, baseball's vice president in charge of discipline, cited Zambrano for "inappropriate and violent actions on the field and in the dugout."

Information from The Associated Press and ESPNChicago.com was used in this report.

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