Mitchell Suspended; Torre to Return

Kevin Mitchell has been suspended without pay for the rest of the season for failing to report for the Cincinnati Reds’ series in Pittsburgh, General Manager Jim Bowden said Wednesday night.

The suspension for 13 games was retroactive to Tuesday.

“Following the club’s three-game series in San Diego, Kevin failed to report to Pittsburgh in time for last night’s 7:05 p.m. game, and did not report to the club in time for tonight’s game,” Bowden said in a statement released by the Reds.

“Since he has not communicated his situation to me, I felt this was the most appropriate action to take at this time.”

Mitchell became ill while in San Diego, where he lives during the off-season. He did not play in the series with the Padres.

Mitchell, who was obtained in a trade with the Boston Red Sox on July 30, appeared in 37 games with the Reds. He was hitting .325 with six homers and 26 RBIs.

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As his team prepared for its biggest game of the year, New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner said Manager Joe Torre would be back next season.

Steinbrenner, who has fired 20 managers since he took over the team in 1973, said he is pleased with Torre’s performance this season despite the fact that the Yankees’ lead in the AL East has shrunk from a high of 12 games to three entering their showdown series with second-place Baltimore. The Yankees won, 3-2, to increase the lead.

“I’m very happy with the job Joe’s done and I thought it was important that he know that so the matter can be put to rest,” Steinbrenner said.