American Sports

Philadelphia Phillies third base coach Steve Smith was suspended two games and fined an undisclosed amount, MLB announced on Thursday.

Smith received the punishment for his inappropriate actions against umpires Chris Guccione and Bill Welke at the end of the seventh inning during last Friday's game against the Chicago Cubs following a close call at first base in which Ryan Howard was called out. Replays showed that the slugging first baseman was safe.

Smith is scheduled to begin his suspension in Friday's series opener at the New York Mets. The Phillies trail the Mets by three games in the National League East.