Cubs hand Zambrano monthlong ban

CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs have slapped Carlos Zambrano with a 30-day ban after the volatile pitcher cleaned out his locker and left the ballpark when he gave up five home runs to Atlanta on Friday.

The right-handed pitcher has been ordered to take no part in team activities and will not be paid during the suspension.

He was thrown out of Friday’s 10-4 loss for throwing at a Braves players and then left the ballpark early.

General manager Jim Hendry said Saturday that Zambrano’s conduct was “intolerable.”

“There’s not much worse than running out on your teammates in the middle of a ballgame,” Hendry said.

Zambrano’s fifth-inning ejection overshadowed what was supposed to be a night of celebration for the Braves, who retired former manager Bobby Cox’s number before the game.

Zambrano was sent to anger management last season after arguing with a teammate.

AFP