MLB reduces Olivo suspension

New York -- Major League Baseball Thursday reduced the suspension of Kansas City Royals catcher Miguel Olivo from five games to four.

Olivo was suspended late last season for his part in a Sept. 30, 2007, fight against the Mets at New York's Shea Stadium while he was playing for the Florida Marlins. He was also fined an undisclosed amount.

The reduced suspension followed an appeal.

Olivo was on the mound during a pitching change and started arguing with the Mets' Jose Reyes, who was on third base. Olivo ran to third and threw a punch at Reyes, which started a benches-clearing brawl.

He will miss games three games at Detroit and the first game at Minnesota next week and the Royals' roster will be 24 players.

The team also awaits a decision on a 15-day suspension given outfielder Jose Guillen Dec. 6 for a violation of the commissioner's drug treatment and prevention program while with his former team, the Seattle Mariners.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.