Zambrano suspended for 6 games

Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano was suspended for six games by Major League Baseball on Thursday, a day after his tirade during a game against the Pirates.

Zambrano said he won’t appeal the penalty, which included a fine. Barring rainouts, he is eligible to return next Thursday and start that night at Atlanta.

“Well, you know, I think I’m a pretty good judge of when you make a mistake, when you do something wrong, you have to pay for it,” Zambrano said. “I don’t have a problem with that. I know that I did something that disrespected MLB. I apologize like I did yesterday, and let’s move on. I accept the suspension.”

Chicago manager Lou Piniella said the penalty was reasonable.

“I think the ruling was fair,” Piniella said. “I think Carlos does, also. He just took it too far. I think he realizes that.”

Posada set to join Yankees

Jorge Posada appears set to rejoin the New York Yankees.

The All-Star catcher played six innings Thursday in an extended spring training game, then said he was scheduled to fly to Cleveland to meet up with his team.

Posada has been sidelined since straining his right hamstring May 4. The Yankees open a four-game series with the Indians on Friday night.

Myers to have MRI on hip

Phillies pitcher Brett Myers had an MRI on Thursday that revealed fraying and possible tearing in the labrum of the hip joint.

Myers told The Philadelphia Inquirer on Thursday that doctors said he likely will need surgery to repair the damage.

Ramirez being sued

White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez is being sued for $20 million for allegedly violating a contract he signed with local talent scouts before inking a major league contract.

In documents presented to the prosecutors office in the Peravia judicial district southeast of the Dominican capital, Ramirez and his agent Jaime Torres are alleged to owe Julio Martinez and Ramon Fernandez $450,000 from a signing bonus.

The plaintiffs are also asking for an additional $131,156, which represents 5 percent of Ramirez’s income from two years in the majors, the documents say. The $20 million claim is for damages and violating the contract.

Struggling Ray sent down

The Orioles optioned ineffective right-hander Chris Ray to Triple-A Norfolk to make room for pitcher David Hernandez, who was recalled from the minors to make his major league debut. Ray served as Baltimore’s closer until an elbow injury sidelined him in July 2007.

Zambrano suspended for 6 games