The Associated Press

MILWAUKEE - Russell Branyan didn't let a little thing like not seeing his name on the lineup card ruin his return to the major leagues Monday.

"Step 1 is getting back to the big leagues. Step 2 is getting back in the lineup," Branyan said after the Cleveland Indians traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers for cash.

The 28-year-old Branyan started the year in the Atlanta organization and was assigned to Triple-A Buffalo after being traded to the Indians on April 25. He hit .279 with 26 home runs and 79 RBI in the minors this season.

The Indians agreed to let him go if another major-league team wanted him.

"It was fun down in Buffalo, but the opportunity to be back in the big leagues - I made a lot of improvements to my game," Branyan said before the Brewers' game against the Chicago Cubs at Miller Park.

YANKEES: Alex Rodriguez plans to appeal any suspension he might receive for his role in Saturday's brawl with the Boston Red Sox.

"Whatever it is I'm going to appeal it," Rodriguez said Monday. "When somebody attacks you have to protect yourself."

Boston pitcher Bronson Arroyo hit Rodriguez with a pitch Saturday, prompting the AL MVP to stare at the mound as he moved slowly toward first base. Boston catcher Jason Varitek positioned himself in front of Rodriguez and the two began jawing before Varitek, still wearing his mask, pushed Rodriguez in the face.

The dugouts and bullpens emptied.

Rodriguez said Varitek started the fight.

"What was said, from my half, was simply a rebut and a reply," Rodriguez said. "What was said under the mask was a lot greater."

Rodriguez said he merely stood up for himself. "If someone challenges you like that, I'm going to stand up to it," he said.

DEVIL RAYS: Fred McGriff was released by Tampa Bay on Monday, ending his bid to reach 500 career home runs with his hometown team.

The 40-year-old first baseman was designated for assignment July 17 after batting .181 with two homers and seven RBI in 27 games.

McGriff has 493 career home runs. He signed a minor-league contract in February, hoping to show enough during spring training that a major-league team would give him an opportunity to continue his quest for 500.

He didn't begin the season with the Devil Rays, but joined them May 28 for his second stint with the team.

He also played in Tampa Bay from 1998-2001 and is the club's all-time leader in home runs (99), RBI (359), runs scored (277), hits (603) and games played (577).