Nationals outfielder suspended eight games

The wild week of Nationals CF Nyjer Morgan, capped by Wednesday's brawl against the Marlins, earned him an eight-game suspension.

Morgan's run of notoriety began Aug. 21, when he threw a ball at a fan in the stands in Philadelphia. The appeal of his seven-game ban for that is scheduled for Tuesday.

Aug. 28, Morgan ran over Cardinals C Bryan Anderson even though he didn't have the ball. Tuesday, he ran over Marlins C Brett Hayes, who separated his left shoulder, while trying to score.

Wednesday, Florida RHP Chris Volstad hit Morgan with a pitch in the fourth. Morgan answered by stealing second and third even though the Nationals trailed 14-3. Volstad threw his first pitch of the sixth behind Morgan, setting off the fight.

Volstad was suspended for six games, RHP Alex Sanabia for five, 1B Gaby Sanchez for three and manager Edwin Rodriguez for one. Washington LH reliever Doug Slaten was suspended for three games and third-base coach Pat Listach and manager Jim Riggleman for two.

All of the players will appeal, delaying the punishment. Coaches and managers cannot appeal.

Manny says sorry

BOSTON — White Sox DH Manny Ramirez admitted he was at fault for the way his Red Sox career ended, forcing them to trade him in 2008. A few weeks before the trade, he got into a fight with Boston 1B Kevin Youkilis in the dugout. The team also questioned his hustle.

"I think everything was my fault," said Ramirez, who cut his hair to comply with team rules. "But you've got to be a real man to realize when you do wrong. I'm already past that stage, and I'm happy with my new team."

Hampton returns: LHP Mike Hampton was called up by Arizona and will work out of the bullpen. The Crystal River High graduate, who turns 38 on Thursday, had shoulder surgery in September, the third major operation of his career. He signed a minor-league deal Aug. 21.

Prior returns: RHP Mark Prior signed a minor-league deal with Texas. Shoulder problems caused Prior, who turns 30 on Tuesday, to miss all of 2007 and 2008, and he spent 2009 in the Padres system.

Strasburg surgery: RHP Stephen Strasburg's reconstructive elbow surgery went "smoothly," Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said. He is expected to be out all of next season.

Pedroia surgery: Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia had season-ending surgery for his broken left foot. Pedroia fouled a ball off his foot June 25, was out until Aug. 17 and played just two games before the pain returned.

A-Rod, Boras split: Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez no longer is represented by Scott Boras. Rodriguez said, "Nothing drastic happened. … Some of the things I needed 20 years ago I really don't need now." Signed through 2017, when he will be 42, it's unlikely Rodriguez will sign another deal.

Rangers: LHP Cliff Lee got a cortisone shot in his ailing back. He is set to throw a bullpen session today then determine his status.

Twins: RHP Scott Baker will miss at least two starts with tendinitis in his elbow.

Red Sox-White Sox, PPD: Friday's game was called early in the afternoon because of the threat of severe weather from Hurricane Earl. A day-night doubleheader is scheduled for today.