Astros' Neris suspended 4 games for throwing at head of Mariners' Suarez

Major League Baseball suspended Houston Astros reliever Hector Neris for four games and fined him an undisclosed amount for intentionally throwing near the head of Seattle Mariners third baseman Eugenio Suarez during Monday's game, the league announced.

Neris plans to appeal the suspension, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. He's eligible to pitch until a ruling is made.

Astros manager Dusty Baker also received a one-game suspension and fine, which he'll serve Tuesday. Additionally, MLB fined three Houston coaches and Seattle skipper Scott Servais for their roles in the incident.

With the Mariners holding a 5-4 lead in the top of the ninth inning, Neris threw a pitch that hit Seattle first baseman Ty France in the back. A shouting match between the Mariners and Astros quickly ensued before the AL West rivals cleared their benches.

Later in the inning, after the Mariners increased their lead to 7-4, Neris threw a pitch above Suarez's head. Umpires issued warnings to both teams after the initial scrum, so Neris and Baker were immediately ejected.

Neris, who joined Houston in free agency this past offseason, has been one of the Astros' best relievers this year. The 32-year-old owns a 3.00 ERA, 2.97 FIP, and 0.79 WHIP with 27 strikeouts across his MLB-leading 26 appearances.