Bradenton, Fla. ? Philadelphia Phillies manager Larry Bowa was suspended for one game and fined Thursday as a result of his ejection during the first inning of a spring training game on March 9. Bob Watson, baseball’s vice president of discipline, said he made the decision, citing Bowa for “his inappropriate conduct toward the umpires before and after his ejection.”

Bowa will be allowed to manage Philadelphia’s opener at Atlanta on April 1, then will be suspended for the Phillies’ next game, at Turner Field on April 3. He plans to appeal.

“I’ll get my say,” Bowa said after the Phillies lost to Pittsburgh 5-4 on Thursday.

Yankees’ Hitchcock sidelined

Haines City, Fla. Â New York Yankees pitcher Sterling Hitchcock will start the season on the disabled list after being shut down Thursday for 7-to-10 days with a strained ligament in his lower back. Yankees GM Brian Cashman said Hitchcock would probably throw for two weeks before rejoining the team.

Indians deal for catcher Perez

Winter Haven, Fla. Â Badly needing a veteran backup catcher, the Cleveland Indians acquired Eddie Perez in a trade Thursday with the Atlanta Braves for a player to be named or cash. The Indians had been looking for an experienced backup for Einar Diaz while Eddie Taubensee is sidelined for at least two months with a bad back.

Pirates’ ticket sales slump

Pittsburgh  Coming off a 100-loss season and a ticket price increase, Pittsburgh Pirates’ season ticket sales have dropped 40 percent in their second season in PNC Park. Only 10 days before the season opener, the Pirates have sold approximately 10,000 season tickets  a drop of 7,000 from a year ago.

Caminiti pleads guilty

Houston  Former Houston Astros third baseman Ken Caminiti pleaded guilty Thursday to cocaine possession and was sentenced to three years probation.