NEW YORK -- Detroit Tigers catcher Ivan Rodriguez was suspended for four games Friday for arguing with the plate umpire during a game against Oakland last week.

Rodriguez also was fined an undisclosed sum. His suspension was scheduled to begin Friday night, unless he appeals.

Also, New York Mets bench coach Sandy Alomar Sr. was suspended one game and fined an undisclosed sum for arguing with third base umpire Rob Drake during Sunday's 9-4 victory over Houston.

Rodriguez was ejected in the fourth inning of the Tigers' 9-5 loss on July 30 for arguing balls and strikes. He then went chest to chest with umpire Ted Barrett, touching him on the shoulder with his mask.

Manager Alan Trammell tried to break up the argument, and Rodriguez threw his mask before leaving the game. When he returned to the dugout, Rodriguez tossed a bag of balls and his shin guards onto the field.

"It was a pretty serious offense because he was throwing stuff out of the dugout," Barrett said after the game.

I'd actually like to see what other players we have at catcher than Pudge... he hasn't been great this year.