Twins outfielder Torii Hunter dropped the appeal of his two-game suspension and started serving it Saturday, according to an ESPN.com report.

Hunter was in the original lineup for Saturday's game at Texas. His decision was announced by the Twins about an hour before the scheduled first pitch in the middle game of a three-game series.

Twins outfielder Torii Hunter has been suspended two games and fined for his outburst toward umpire Mark Ripperger on Wednesday, Major League Baseball announced.

Hunter has appealed the suspension, calling it a "little harsh," and is in the lineup Friday for the Twins' game against the Rangers, batting second and playing right field.

"I didn't expect two games," Hunter said. "I got ejected, so I knew something was going to come down."

Brian Matusz's eight-game suspension for having an illegal substance on his arm has been upheld and will begin on Friday.

The Baltimore Orioles will take on the Cleveland Indians.

Matusz was suspended after being ejected May 23 when he was pitching against the Miami Marlins.

Major League Baseball has reduced Will Smith's suspension for having an illegal substance on his arm to six games.

The Milwaukee Brewers pitcher was initially suspended eight games after his May 21 ejection.