The Atlanta Braves placed pitching coach Roger McDowell on administrative leave Friday while they investigate allegations that he made homophobic comments and crude gestures toward fans before a game in San Francisco last weekend. McDowell also is accused of using a baseball bat to threatening a fan who objected to his actions. The former major league reliever apologized in a statement, but the team barred him from the bench heading into a three-game series against St. Louis. The Braves’ minor league pitching coordinator, Dave Wallace, will take over for McDowell during the investigation. Major League Baseball has said it’s waiting to hear from the team before deciding on possible penalties.

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