MLB suspends Anderson 1 game for reportedly using racist language

Major League Baseball suspended Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson one game and Kansas City Royals right-hander Brad Keller five games for their roles in Wednesday's benches-clearing incident, the league announced Friday.

Anderson's punishment is reportedly due to language he used during the fracas, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Umpires said Anderson used a racially charged word within earshot of both teams, Passan adds.

The infielder told media members, including Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times, that he doesn't plan to appeal the league's decision.

Keller's suspension remains subject to appeal. Anderson, Keller, and White Sox manager Rick Renteria were also all fined undisclosed amounts. Renteria received a one-game suspension and will serve it Friday night when Chicago plays the Detroit Tigers.

The 25-year-old Anderson is enjoying a breakout campaign at the plate and unloaded his fourth home run of the season off Keller in the fourth inning Wednesday. He tossed his bat after the home run. To kick off Anderson's next plate appearance, Keller struck him on the rear with a 92-mph fastball.

Keller denied purposely plunking Anderson, explaining the pitch got away from him.

"I was trying to go in on him," Keller told Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star. "My command wasn't the best today. A ball got away from me. I'm not trying to put a guy on in a 2-2 game, especially the leadoff guy."

That night, Major League Baseball's Twitter account showed support for Anderson's demonstration of emotion following his home run.