Brewers all-star first baseman Prince Fielder has been suspended for three games by Major League Baseball for his altercation with home plate umpire Wally Bell Sunday afternoon in Houston, a source told OnMilwaukee.com this morning.

There is no word on whether Fielder will appeal the suspension, but it seems likely that he will in order to have the penalty reduced.

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin, who attended the game Sunday, said Monday afternoon that he had not heard from league officials and took that as a sign that there would be no action.

"I didn't think it was a big deal," Melvin said. "I don't think Prince made contact (with Bell). I thought people were blowing it out of proportion.

"I haven't heard anything. I think if they don't call you, it means nothing is going on. I certainly wouldn't call them and ask about it."

Bell called Fielder out on a close pitch from Mark McLemore to end the top of the eighth inning. Fielder said something to Bell, who ejected the first baseman. Enraged by the ejection, the normally soft-spoken Fielder went after Bell, screaming and gesturing wildly.

Fielder leads the Brewers with 37 homers and 89 RBI and is considered a candidate for National League MVP honors.

In other news Tuesday, the Brewers designated struggling relief pitcher Chris Spurling for assignment and promoted outfielder Gabe Gross from Class AAA Nashville.

Spurling worked  in 38 games for the Brewers and posted a 2-1 record and 4.91 earned run average. In 11 appearances after the all-star break, Spurling gave up 20 hits and 15 runs (12 earned) in 12 2/3 innings. In his last six outings, he worked five innings and gave up 12 hits and 10 runs, seven earned.