01:00 AM EDT on Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Washington reliever Felix Rodriguez was suspended for three games and Nationals manager Frank Robinson for one for their roles in last week's game against the New York Mets in which five batters were hit by pitches.

Rodriguez and Robinson both were ejected at Shea Stadium last Thursday after the reliever hit Paul Lo Duca with a pitch in the eighth inning. Rodriguez and Robinson also were fined, as was outfielder Jose Guillen.

Robinson served his suspension during yesterday's series finale against Houston. The Nationals were to return home after the game for Tuesday's home opener -- against the Mets.

Bench coach Eddie Rodriguez ran the team yesterday.

"I wanted to get it out of the way," Robinson said. "That way, it's not hanging out there."

Rodriguez's suspension was to begin tomorrow, but the players' association said it will file an appeal, delaying any penalty until after a hearing.

A total of seven batters was hit during the series with the Mets.

ROUNDUP BOSS MAKES APPEARANCE: There is no cause for Yankee fans to panic. At least not yet, according to the most important pinstriped opinion of all. That would be The Boss, who made an appearance at Yankee Stadium yesterday on the eve of today's home opener. "I'm pleased about everything," Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said moments after taking in a news conference to announce the partnership between his $200-million Yankees and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The Boss was referring to his 2-4 team, though he probably would have preferred the Bombers play in front of their fans today with a 6-0 start. It can't help, too, that the rival Red Sox already are sitting pretty atop the A.L. East at 5-1. But Steinbrenner said no more, ducking into a side door within the Stadium Club and disappearing upstairs to let his manager and GM handle the media.

KEATON RAPS BUCS: Despite being an invited guest of the ballclub, Batman didn't hesitate to take a few swings at the Pittsburgh Pirates. Before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Pirates' home opener yesterday, actor Michael Keaton criticized the team's owners for not spending enough money to field a competitive team. The Pirates' payroll of $46.87 million represents a jump of about $14 million from last season, yet was the fourth-lowest in the majors on Opening Day. The Pirates, coming off 13 consecutive losing seasons, are 1-7 after an 8-3 loss to the Dodgers yesterday. "Look, I'd do it, too, if I were a businessman," said Keaton, a suburban Pittsburgh native known for his role as Batman. "But, at some point, you've got to win. I think fans have been gracious. And maybe not vocal enough. Maybe not vociferous enough with their displeasure. That's my opinion."

JONES ON DL: Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones went on the 15-day disabled list yesterday because of a sprained right knee and ankle, but the injury wasn't as severe as the Braves feared. Jones was injured Sunday when he charged in on Mike Matheny's slow roller in the eighth inning of Atlanta's 6-5 loss to the San Francisco Giants.