IN BRIEF : Bell Will Sit Out His Suspension

NEW YORK — Outfielder George Bell of the Toronto Blue Jays began serving a two-game suspension today after withdrawing an appeal for a hearing, the American League announced.

The league originally announced the suspension May 4, two days after Bell had left the batter’s box and charged the mound after being hit on the left arm by a pitch from Oakland’s Gene Nelson in the ninth inning of a game won by the A’s, 8-5.

Bell appealed the suspension and continued playing but then changed his mind and withdrew the appeal, the league said. The suspension means he will miss tonight’s and Tuesday night’s home games against Seattle.