Piniella's suspension set at 4 games

MILWAUKEE — Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella's suspension was set at four games Monday by Major League Baseball for his weekend dirt-kicking tantrum against an umpire.

The commissioner's office originally planned to suspend Piniella for five games, then reduced the penalty by one game after the manager spoke with John McHale Jr., MLB's executive vice president for administration.

Piniella started serving the penalty Sunday, when baseball said he was being suspended indefinitely pending his talk with McHale.

He was ejected by umpire Mark Wegner in the eighth inning of Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field after Angel Pagan was thrown out trying to steal third.

Piniella ran onto the field and kicked dirt as he argued and tossed his cap. The commissioner's office said Piniella made contact with Wegner, an allegation the manager denied.