"Orioles closer Kevin Gregg and Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, the two main combatants in the July 8 bench-clearing brawl in Boston, saw their suspensions reduced from four games to three and began serving them during the three-game series that started Monday at Camden Yards.

That doesn't mean Gregg thinks the punishment — which included a $2,500 fine that has undergone a "slight reduction" — fits his crime, particularly because Ortiz, who charged the mound, received the same discipline.

"I talked to the league a little bit. I talked to the players association a little bit. But the bottom line is trying to do what's in the best interest of the team," Gregg said. "Ortiz is taking his time now, so I still don't think it's fair that we have the same fine, same suspension. But we're going to move past that point and get on with the season."

The Orioles and Red Sox cannot replace Gregg or Ortiz on their respective rosters for the next three games. Gregg said he doesn't expect any carryover from the Boston series, but he's still miffed that Orioles designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero (cracked bone in right hand) has been lost for at least 15 days and Ortiz is gone for only three.

"You look at the whole breakdown of it — we lost our DH for two weeks, and they lost theirs for three days," he said. "So, no, it's not fair. But what you can do? You got to play the game."

Gregg also reiterated that the Red Sox lead the American League with 55 hit batters — 15 more than any other AL team — and the Orioles are last with 21. The Orioles were out-plunked 4-1 by the Red Sox in their last series."