Red Sox pitcher Alfredo Aceves was suspended three games for conduct detrimental to the team. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

The Boston Red Sox suspended right-handed pitcher Alfredo Aceves for three games for conduct detrimental to the team, reports the Boston Globe.

According to the paper, Aceves was in a heated argument with manager Bobby Valentine on Friday night after he wasn’t used to close out the game against the Kansas City Royals. The Red Sox won the game 4-3.

The night before in a 14-13 loss to the Los Angeles Angels, Aceves faced 10 batters, threw 37 pitches and was charged with the loss after giving up five earned runs.

Aceves is 2-8 with a 4.80 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 62.2 innings this season.

The first time a save situation is presented, new Boston Red Sox manager will look to Alfredo Aceves to slam the door, according to the Boston Herald.

“(Aceves) loves competition,” Valentine said. “I think he’s one of the better competitors that I’ve seen. I could be wrong. I haven’t seen him up close and personal in battle, but I believe that he’s a very good competitor, to say nothing of a very good pitcher.”

Andrew Bailey was set to replace former closer Jonathan Papelbon — now with the Philadelphia Phillies — but Bailey will miss several months after undergoing thumb surgery.

Aceves has appeared in 114 games, mostly in relief for the Red Sox and New York Yankees, going 24-3. He has just four career saves.

Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine announced today that Alfredo Aceves will be the closer for the Red Sox this season, according to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe.

Valentine said Aceves would be the closer for Opening Day. #RedSox

—
Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) April 04, 2012

Andrew Bailey was previously slotted to be the Red Sox closer but a recent hand injury will keep him out until after the All-Star break. As a result, Aceves will take over the ninth inning.

Aceves posted a 2.61ERA last season in 55 appearances for the Red Sox. He has four career saves.