Cubs’ Contreras fined, gets 2-game suspension

Cubs catcher Willson Contreras was suspended for two games and fined an undisclosed amount for what Major League Baseball called “inappropriate actions” during Chicago’s win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday.

Cubs pitcher John Lackey also was fined an undisclosed amount, MLB said Saturday.

Contreras has appealed the suspension, so he was in the lineup for Saturday’s second game of the three-game series.

Contreras and Lackey were ejected in the fifth inning a day earlier for arguing with home plate umpire Jordan Baker. Lackey thought Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez struck out to end the inning, but the pitch was called a ball. Martinez then singled to drive in a run, giving St. Louis a 2-1 lead.

Lackey argued and was ejected. Contreras was ejected a short while later and threw down his mask in anger. It bounced and hit Baker’s leg.

Contreras, 25, apologized after the game, saying he had no intention of hitting Baker.

Briefly: Right-hander Lance McCullers threw a bullpen session and the Astros will see how he feels Sunday before deciding whether he’ll start Tuesday against the White Sox. He was scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday with arm fatigue . ... Royals catcher Salvador Perez (pulled muscle in right side) will likely be out until Tuesday when Kansas City opens a series in Toronto. He hurt himself on a swing Thursday . ... Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper (knee) ran the bases at three-quarters speed Saturday as part of his effort to return for the playoffs. He has been out a month. ... The Yankees recalled infielder Miguel Andujar and right-hander Jonathan Holder.