Rays’ Upton ‘likely’ to start serving ban Thursday

CLEVELAND (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays center fielder B.J. Upton is keeping everyone in suspense over when he’ll actually serve his two-game suspension.

Before playing Cleveland on Wednesday, Rays manager Joe Maddon said Upton had not given him official word on when he will adhere to the ruling handed down by Major League Baseball a week ago for a tirade during a game May 4.

Maddon believes Upton will start serving it Thursday in the finale of a three-game series against the Indians, then finish it Friday in the first game of a three-game home set against Baltimore.

Upton was originally scheduled to start serving his suspension last Saturday in Baltimore, but decided to appeal.

He was fined $1,500 and suspended two games for slamming his bat and helmet to the ground. He had to be restrained after striking out for the fourth time.

Upton was in the Rays’ lineup Wednesday.