Umpire Claims Sledge Threw Bat

Umpire Paul Nauert filed a report with Major League Baseball after a bat was thrown in his direction by Montreal’s Terrmel Sledge on Wednesday night in Milwaukee.

Nauert, who was working behind the plate, took offense after Sledge tossed his bat in disgust after hitting a fly ball to shallow center field in the seventh inning.

“I said he threw it and it was in my direction,” Nauert said Thursday.

Sledge was surprised by Nauert’s contention, said Expo Manager Frank Robinson, who got into a heated argument with Nauert over the issue. Robinson said Thursday he believed the fine would be only $100, but “it’s the idea of it.”

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The Texas Rangers put reliever Jeff Nelson on the 15-day disabled list because of an inflamed right knee. Nelson, scheduled to be examined by Texas’ team physician, is 0-2 with a 5.40 earned-run average in 14 appearances.

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A group headed by New York investor Stuart Sternberg completed its purchase of 48% of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Vince Naimoli will continue in his role as the team’s managing general partner, running day-to-day operations.