Los Angeles Dodgers third base coach Larry Bowa was incensed yesterday after being suspended for three games and fined by the commissioner's office following a wild argument the night before.

Bowa was tossed in the sixth inning of Tuesday's game against the San Francisco Giants by umpire Ed Montague, who had told him to keep within the boundaries of the coaching box. Bob Watson, baseball's vice president in charge of discipline, cited Bowa for "inappropriate and aggressive conduct," which included making contact with Montague several times.

"It's ludicrous is what it is. Probably the suspension's more ludicrous than the rule," Bowa said before last night's game. "There's no due process. For getting kicked out of the game, you get a three-game suspension. It's totally uncalled for. I have no idea why. You have to ask the people in New York that wear the coats and ties and don't get on the field.

"You've got guys who tested positive for steroids and admitted they took them — no suspensions. They're still playing," Bowa said.

The very least Bowa expected from Watson after his ruling was an explanation.

"I got a fine, which I expected. But I don't even know what the fine is, to be honest with you," Bowa said. "I left a voicemail, and obviously I knew I wouldn't get a return call from him. They don't want to hear the coach's side of the story."

SHORT HOPS

Right-hander Pedro Martinez will be sidelined 4 to 6 weeks with what the New York Mets said was a mild strain of his left hamstring suffered in Tuesday night's game against Florida. ... Seattle All-Star closer J.J. Putz was placed on the 15-day disabled list yesterday after an MRI exam revealed a mild inflammation where the cartilage attaches to a rib on his right side.