"Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon's suspension was reduced from three games to two following his appeal to Major League Baseball. The suspension stemmed from a June 4 incident involving Papelbon bumping plate umpire Tony Randazzo.

"There's always got to be a process," Papelbon said this afternoon. "I think the [appeal] process was done very well and very fair for both sides. Like I said when this thing first happened, I have to own up to it, and I did. Now, the consequences are set.""