R. Johnson to appeal one-game suspension

Braves outfielder Reed Johnson was suspended one game by Major League Baseball, as was outfielder Carlos Gomez of the Milwaukee Brewers for “actions during the on-field incident” Wednesday night during the benches-clearing confrontation in the Braves-Brewers game.

Both Freddie Freeman and Brian McCann were fined for their involvement but not issued suspensions. Freeman was ejected from the game for what umpires had told him on the field was throwing punches. After the game crew chief Dana DeMuth indicated Freeman had thrown an elbow at Aramis Ramirez, which Freeman contended then and again Thursday was inadvertent.

Gomez had taken exception to begin hit by a Paul Maholm pitch earlier this season and after he hit a home run off Maholm on Wednesday night, shouting at the pitcher as he circled the bases, which riled up the Braves. McCann was waiting to confront Gomez in front of home plate, and never allowed Gomez to touch the plate, as both benches cleared.

Johnson said Thursday he will appeal his suspension, in which case he would not have to serve it until the argument is heard. It will not affect his status for the postseason and if the suspension is upheld, would most likely not be served until the start of the 2014 season.

Johnson was among the first Braves to reach the scrum behind home plate, and he made contact with Gomez, though he said Thursday he was going at Gomez with his hands open, trying to grab him.

“I’m not trying to throw punches at a guy,” Johnson said. “I’m trying to get a guy who’s out of control under control. I don’t think that really warrants a suspension.”