Zambrano suspended six games, fined $3,000 for blow-up

Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano was suspended six games and fined $3,000 by Major League Baseball for his meltdown during his team's 5-2 win over the Pirates on Wednesday.

Zambrano was ejected in the seventh inning after he got in a heated argument -- which included him firing a ball into left field, tossing his glove and taking a bat to a dugout cooler before heading to the clubhouse -- with umpire Mark Carlson.

While there was contact with the umpire, the main issue seems to have been his excessive protest following the call of safe at home. Zambrano claimed he got the tag-down in time on Pittsburgh's Nyjer Morgan. Morgan was a third when Zambrano's wild pitch got away from catcher Geovany Soto. As Zambrano covered home for Soto's throw, Morgan slid and was ruled safe.

The suspension began Thursday night, leaving Zambrano available to pitch for the Cubs next Thursday in Atlanta.

VIDEO: Zambrano ejected after tantrum over call