TORONTO (AP) – Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek dropped his appeal Monday of a four-game suspension for his part in a bench-clearing brawl with the New York Yankees last month.

Varitek, Boston’s hottest hitter this month, began serving his suspension by sitting out Monday night’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

“It made the most sense for us as a team and our matchups,” said Varitek, who is hitting .448 in August. “From that standpoint it gives the team the best chance to go out and keep winning.”

The Red Sox, who entered Monday’s game with a six-game winning streak, didn’t want Varitek to miss games in early September against AL wild card rivals Anaheim, Texas and Oakland. Had Varitek waited until Thursday’s appeal hearing, the league would have dictated when Varitek would have been suspended.

Doug Mirabelli replaces Varitek during the suspension. The Red Sox didn’t call up a catcher from the minors; they’ll use infielder Doug Mientkiewicz as an emergency catcher.

Varitek is hitting .303 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs this season.

“Nobody wants to lose Varitek, but we were going to lose him at some point,” Boston manager Terry Francona said.

The Yankees-Red Sox brawl July 24 at Fenway Park started after Boston pitcher Bronson Arroyo hit Alex Rodriguez with a pitch. Rodriguez and Varitek scuffled, and several scrums erupted.

Boston outfielder Gabe Kapler tussled with Tanyon Sturtze, joined by Trot Nixon and David Ortiz of the Red Sox. Sturtze was bleeding from the left ear when he left the field.

Eight players were disciplined after the fight – including five suspensions.

Rodriguez and Varitek were suspended for four games apiece and fined $2,000. Sturtze, Kapler and Nixon were suspended for three games and fined $1,000.

New York outfielder Kenny Lofton and Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling and designated hitter Ortiz were fined $500 each.

Rodriguez served his suspension last week; Nixon and Kapler are appealing their suspensions.

“When Alex dropped his appeal the chances of it being reduced was very slim,” said Varitek, who was scheduled to have a hearing on Thursday.

AP-ES-08-23-04 1842EDT