MIAMI (AP) – Yankees pitcher A.J. Burnett’s suspension for
throwing high and tight to Texas’ Nelson Cruz has been reduced to five games
from six.

Manager Joe Girardi said Sunday before New York played the
Florida Marlins that the suspension began immediately and will push back the
right-hander’s next start to Saturday against the Mets.

Burnett sailed a
fastball near Cruz’s head during a 12-3 win June 2. Earlier in the game, Texas’
Vicente Padilla twice hit Mark Teixeira with pitches.

Burnett said it was
the first time he’d been suspended and was surprised by the severity of the
action. Both Burnett and Padilla were fined undisclosed amounts by Major League
Baseball.