Mitchell fined, suspended for punching coach

Rohnert Park, Calif. Former NL MVP Kevin Mitchell was suspended for three games and fined by the Western Baseball League for throwing a punch at an opposing team’s third-base coach.

Mitchell, the manager of the Sonoma County Crushers, took a swing at Larry Olenberger of the Solano Steelheads on Saturday night. Mitchell accused Olenberger of stealing signs from the Crushers’ catcher and relaying them to Steelheads hitters.

It was the second time Mitchell has been ejected from a game against the Steelheads. In 2000, he was suspended after punching the Solano team owner.

A two-time All-Star, Mitchell played for the New York Mets, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Cincinnati, Boston, Cleveland and Oakland.

Pettitte limited in rehab outing

Sarasota, Fla. New York Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte cut short his second rehab start Sunday after experiencing fatigue in his throwing elbow.

Pettitte threw three perfect innings for Class-A Tampa against the Sarasota Red Sox. He had hoped to go four innings or around 60 pitches in his second minor league start.

“My elbow felt like it got a little fatigued on me, so I cut it a little short,” said Pettitte, who threw 34 pitches. “I was throwing the ball good, but just being a little careful.”

Pettitte has experienced elbow problems since his first spring training start March 3. He went 1-1 with a 3.09 ERA in three major league starts before being placed on the 15-day disabled list April 21.

Pettitte’s fastball topped out at 89 mph. He was not sure where is next rehab start will take place.

Phillies acquire Plesac

Montreal Philadelphia pulled off its second trade in five days. This time, the Phillies acquired veteran lefthander Dan Plesac from Toronto for righthander Cliff Politte. With the additions of Plesac and Jeremy Giambi, the Phillies increased their payroll by more than $2 million. Plesac, 40, was 1-2 with a 3.38 earned run average in 19 games with Toronto. Politte, 28, left with a 2-0 record and 3.86 ERA.