By The Associated Press

Mike Piazza might not be in the New York Mets' lineup on opening day. The crosstown rival Yankees aren't sure when Steve Karsay will pitch again.

Piazza and Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Guillermo Mota were suspended for five games apiece and fined Monday for their roles in a bench-clearing brawl last week during an exhibition game.

The suspensions will start on opening day unless they are appealed. Piazza was fined $3,000 and Mota $1,500, while Mets outfielder Jeromy Burnitz was fined $500 by baseball disciplinarian Bob Watson.

"Naturally I'm disappointed in the ruling," Piazza said in a statement. "I have seven days to weigh my options. I plan to use that time to decide what course of action I will take."

Karsay, the Yankees' top right-handed setup man, has a sore right shoulder and won't pitch until the pain subsides.

He looked tentative in walking one batter over a scoreless inning Sunday against Houston, his first outing since hurting the shoulder March 3 in his initial outing of the spring.

"This morning he felt something," Yankees manager Joe Torre said Monday. "He said warming up and in the game he didn't feel anything. But the fact he came in with a little cranky shoulder - we just need to shut him down."

Torre said trainer Gene Monahan recommended rest and treatment, but the manager didn't rule out any tests.

Karsay is coming off back surgery in November. If he is sidelined during the regular season it could really cost the Yankees, who lost relievers Ramiro Mendoza and Mike Stanton in the offseason.

A key holdover in a revamped bullpen, Karsay's job is often to pitch the eighth inning - sometimes more - and set up All-Star closer Mariano Rivera. It's an especially important role considering New York's aging rotation, which includes 40-year-old Roger Clemens, 39-year-old David Wells and 34-year-old Mike Mussina.

Karsay was second on the team to Stanton last year with 78 appearances. The right-hander even filled in as the primary closer while Rivera was injured and finished the season with 12 saves.

If Karsay is not ready by opening day, Juan Acevedo could take the right-handed setup spot, seeing time along with Antonio Osuna.

It seemed likely that Piazza would appeal his suspension, which would allow him to play pending a hearing.

Mota said he would talk with his agent, Adam Katz, about whether to appeal. The pitcher wouldn't say if he thought the suspension was fair.

"Like I said the other day, I have no control over that," he said.