Edinson Volquez drops appeal, starts 5-game suspension

CLEVELAND -- Kansas City Royals pitcher Edinson Volquez has dropped his appeal of a five-game suspension for his involvement in a brawl with the Chicago White Sox last week.

Volquez was to start serving his suspension against Cleveland on Monday night.

"It was the right time to do it since I pitched yesterday," said Volquez, who went 5 2-3 innings and was the losing pitcher Sunday against Chicago.

Volquez was among four Royals players suspended for their actions in the fight last Thursday. Pitcher Yordano Ventura was given a seven-game penalty, and outfielder Lorenzo Cain and reliever Kelvin Herrera received two-game bans. All the players initially appealed.

"You've got to protect your teammate," Volquez said. "I'm good. It's all good."

Volquez is eligible to return Saturday when the Royals play Detroit.

"This is a pretty big stretch for us, so we just wanted to get it out of the way," Royals manager Ned Yost said.

Chicago pitchers Chris Sale and Jeff Samardzjia each were suspended five games.

Herrera also was suspended five games for throwing behind Oakand's Brett Lawrie on April 19.