Anderson, Renteria, Keller hit with suspensions, fines

Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson says he prefers staying out of the spotlight, but it's not going away anytime soon.

Already in the headlines for a hot start and the best batting average (.422) in the American League, Anderson is now the talk of major-league baseball for his actions in Wednesday afternoon's game against the Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field.

After breaking a scoreless tie in the fourth inning with a 2-run homer off Kansas City starting pitcher Brad Keller, Anderson launched his bat at the Sox's dugout. He yelled "Let's go!" at the White Sox's dugout and circled the bases while Keller turned and glared.

In his next at-bat, Anderson was drilled on the backside by Keller's first pitch.

Both benches cleared, and no punches were thrown. After tempers cooled, umpire/crew chief Joe West ejected Anderson, White Sox manager Rick Renteria, Keller and Royals hitting coach Dale Sveum.

On Friday, MLB suspended Anderson for one game. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Anderson used a "racially-charged word" during the melee.

Anderson declined to appeal and sat out Friday night's game against the Tigers.

"I think that's too much," Anderson told reporters in Detroit. "Just take the one day and use it as an off day. Keep going and be ready for tomorrow. I'm going to keep moving forward. That happened a couple days ago.

"Keep having fun, flush that and keep going. I'm going to the hotel and watch the guys ball out and be ready for tomorrow."

Keller was hit with a five-game suspension and is appealing. Renteria was suspended one game and also missed Friday night's game against the Tigers.

"We're going to take it," Renteria said of MLB chief baseball officer Joe Torre's decision. "They made their decision. We'll abide by it and put it behind us. I'm not going to make it a public debate about what I agree or don't agree with."

Anderson's bat launch has triggered quite a debate, pitting the "old school" against the new.

MLB Network's Mark DeRosa is in the former camp, and he literally stood on a soapbox during Friday's broadcast and said Anderson deserved to be drilled.

Indians starting pitcher Trevor Bauer took Anderson's side, telling MLB Network Radio: "This is dangerous. There's no reason to be throwing at people."

Then there's Blue Jays outfielder Randal Grichuk, who tweeted: "Guys are getting a little excessive on pimping HRs, on meaningless HRs, too. Act like you have done it before, one time."

Anderson responded to Grichuk, tweeting: "Put a name on so we can see who you talking bout brah."