Orioles' Walker fined for criticizing umpire

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Jamie Walker was fined by the commissioner's office Thursday for criticizing umpire Angel Hernandez.

Hernandez called a balk on Walker during the seventh inning of Tuesday night's 7-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels at Camden Yards when the left-hander appeared to pick off Maicer Izturis. Three batters later, Kendry Morales hit a two-run double for a 7-4 lead.

"It's a (terrible) call," Walker said. "I don't know if the guy's got something against me or what, but no way did I balk. It changed the whole game. ... It's unacceptable at this level."

Bob Watson, baseball's vice president for discipline, imposed the fine.

"Mr. Walker's comments were an inappropriate, unnecessary attack on umpire Hernandez's professionalism," Watson said. "Such comments impugning the integrity and impartiality of Angel Hernandez or any other member of the umpiring staff will not be tolerated."

Phil Tannenbaum, Walker's agent, said the players' association had appealed the penalty.