Suspension Stands for Angry Wells

Boston Red Sox pitcher David Wells will sit out six games for pushing an umpire, failing in his attempt to shorten the suspension and then blasting Bud Selig for the appeals process and accusing the commissioner of delaying Rafael Palmeiro’s steroid suspension.

“I don’t know what the point was even having a hearing,” Wells said. “They said I clearly bumped him and sprayed him with spit. That’s coming from a guy that works for the commissioner, so what can you do?”

Wells accused Selig of retaliating for past criticism and Bob Watson, baseball’s vice president of on-field operations, of “turning against the players.” He expanded his grievance to include Selig’s role in declaring the 2002 All-Star game a tie and for the commissioner’s handling of the sport’s steroid scandal.

“I’ve been tested three times this year, but it’s obvious that there’s guys getting away with doing it,” Wells said. “And he’s not doing a thing.”

Wells acknowledged swearing but said he did so quietly and to himself. He denied spitting on or “beaking” any umpires.

Rob Manfred, baseball’s executive vice president of labor relations, said the processes Wells complained about were negotiated with the players’ union.

“David Wells has once again created a distraction with a series of ill-informed and ill-conceived comments,” Manfred said. “The appeal process for on-field discipline ... has served the industry well for decades.”

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Chicago Cub right-hander Kerry Wood will undergo season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Wednesday and hopes to be ready to pitch by spring training.

With the Cubs nearly out of playoff competition the team wanted to give Wood as much time as possible for recovery and rehabilitation.

Wood concurred with the decision, General Manager Jim Hendry said. Wood was not immediately available for comment.

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The Cubs traded outfielder Todd Hollandsworth to the Atlanta Braves for minor league pitchers Todd Blackford and Angelo Burrows.... Left fielder Scott Podsednik was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Chicago White Sox. Chicago also recalled right-hander Jeff Bajenaru from Charlotte, and optioned right-hander Jon Adkins and outfielder Brian Anderson to the minor league team.... St. Louis Cardinal third baseman Scott Rolen underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.... The Houston Astros recalled outfielder Luke Scott from triple-A Round Rock after the Boston Red Sox claimed right-handed pitcher Chad Harville on waivers.... Florida put right-hander John Riedling on the 15-day disabled list because of tendinitis in his right shoulder and recalled right-hander Chris Resop from double-A Carolina.