Harper drops appeal, gets suspension reduced 1 game

Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper has agreed to drop his appeal of a four-game suspension and will have one game shaved from the punishment.

Harper reached the agreement Wednesday with Major League Baseball and began serving the suspension immediately.

He did not issue a statement and was not in the Nationals clubhouse before Wednesday night’s game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park.

Nationals manager Dusty Baker mixed feelings about the decision.

“Very happy,” Baker said when asked his reaction to Harper’s suspension being reduced. “I’m not happy that it was three but had three’s better than four. He’ll miss this game tonight and then he’ll miss the first two days of the Oakland series and hopefully he’ll be ready to play on Sunday.”

The punishment stemmed from a benchclearing brawl on Monday after Harper was hit by a 98 mph fastball from Giants reliever Hunter Strickland. There’s no word on Strickland, who received a six-game suspension and also had planned to appeal.

Trout has thumb surgery, likely out 6-8 weeks

Mike Trout had successful surgery on his injured left thumb Wednesday, and the Los Angeles Angels slugger is likely to be out for at least six weeks.

Dr. Steve Shin performed surgery on Trout’s ulnar collateral ligament and dorsal capsule, the Angels said. The typical recovery time for the procedure is six to eight weeks.

“We’re going to count the days, and we’re excited that everything went well,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. “Hopefully we’ll continue to get good news as he starts to work through his rehab and when he can pick up the bat.”

Scioscia and the Angels seem hopeful of a relatively quick recovery from an injury that can vary widely in its severity. Shortstop Andrelton Simmons had a similar surgery and returned in five weeks last season.

“It will hopefully (provide) a stronger repair, and it’s something that will hold up a little longer,” Scioscia said of Trout’s surgery.

White Sox broadcaster Harrelson to retire after next season

White Sox broadcaster Ken “Hawk” Harrelson, a colorful character known for his folksy sayings and unbridled enthusiasm for his longtime team, will retire after working 20 games next year in his 34th season in the booth.

The 75-year-old Harrelson, who also played in the majors for nine seasons with four teams and served as Chicago’s general manager for a short time, will work primarily Sunday home dates in 2018. After he finishes his TV duties, he will serve as a team ambassador for the 2019 season.

Harrelson began his broadcasting career with the Boston Red Sox in 1975.