Padres batter Tejada is tagged out at the plate by Cardinals catcher Molina during their MLB National League baseball game in St. Louis
San Diego Padres batter Miguel Tejada (L) is tagged out at the plate by St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina during the seventh inning of their MLB National League baseball game in St. Louis, Missouri, September 18, 2010. Reuters

St. Louis Cardinals All-Star catcher Yadier Molina has been suspended five games by Major League Baseball on Thursday for making contact with an umpire and spraying him with spittle during a heated confrontation.

The incident occurred when Molina, who was also fined an undisclosed amount for his actions, was ejected from Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers for arguing a called third strike during the 10th inning.

St. Louis went on to win the game 8-7 in 11 innings.

Molina's suspension was scheduled to begin on Thursday when the Cardinals played the Florida Marlins in Miami. If he appeals the ruling, the suspension will be held in abeyance until the process is completed.

The three-time All-Star is batting .293 with 40 runs batted in this season for a Cardinals team that is 3-1/2 games back of the National League Central division-leading Brewers.

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