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Yankees’ CC Sabathia involved in shouting match outside Toronto club

Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia watches from the dugout before a game against the Twins on Monday in New York.

Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia watches from the dugout before a game against the Twins on Monday in New York.

(Bill Kostroun / Associated Press)
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Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia says he “flipped out” and made a “bad decision” for getting involved in a shouting match outside a Toronto nightclub over the weekend.

TMZ posted video Monday showing Sabathia hollering in a crowd of people early Saturday. New York had started a series at Toronto several hours earlier.

Sabathia’s scheduled start at Yankee Stadium on Monday night against Minnesota was pushed back a day, with Bryan Mitchell pitching in his place.

Mitchell was hit in the head by a line drive Monday night, forcing him off the field with a towel over his bloody face.

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Mitchell was examined by doctors at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. He sustained a small nasal fracture, according to the Yankees, and was treated and released. He will be monitored for concussion symptoms.

Mitchell was struck in the second inning by a liner off the bat of Eduardo Nunez of the Twins.

Rookie Caleb Cotham came in to relieve Mitchell.

Manager Joe Girardi said AL East-leading New York had already planned to alter their rotation before he became aware of the incident involving Sabathia and that it had “nothing” to do with the switch.

“I just flipped out, you know. I could have handled it better,” Sabathia told reporters before Monday night’s game.

“Made a bad decision. Sometimes these things happen,” he said.

Sabathia said some hecklers got “a little bit” personal about his rugged season — the former ace is 4-9 with a 5.23 earned-run average — but said the taunting wasn’t racial.

Police were called to the scene in Toronto’s entertainment district. The big, 35-year-old Sabathia was pushed into a taxi by some friends and family and wasn’t detained.

Girardi said he had no comment on whether Sabathia would be disciplined by the team. Sabathia is set to start Tuesday night against the Twins.

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Blue Jays demote Hutchison

The Blue Jays sent right-hander Drew Hutchison to triple-A Buffalo a day after he moved to 12-2 by pitching Toronto to a win over the Yankees.

Hutchison pitched 6 2/3 strong innings at Rogers Centre on Sunday in Toronto’s 3-1 victory that avoided a three-game Yankees sweep.

Hutchison is tied for sixth in the American League in wins but has been inconsistent, especially on the road, and has a 5.06 ERA.

The move comes as Toronto looks to shorten its starting rotation in preparation for a run at the AL East title. The Jays entered Monday half a game back of the Yankees for the division lead.

Toronto recalled infielder Matt Hague from Buffalo to replace recently demoted reliever Aaron Loup.

Hague leads the International League with a .348 batting average, 83 RBIs, a .427 on-base percentage and 161 hits. The Jays said a roster move to fill Hutchison’s spot on the roster will be made Tuesday.

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Etc.

Texas Rangers left-hander Derek Holland will return Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners after a four-month absence. Holland, 28, threw nine pitches in Texas’ home opener on April 10 before being pulled because of a torn muscle in his throwing shoulder. … The St. Louis Cardinals placed outfielder Randal Grichuk, among the top rookies in the National League, on the 15-day disabled list because of a right elbow strain Monday. Grichuk said he also has a low-grade ligament sprain in the elbow. … The Seattle Mariners have recalled left-hander Edgar Olmos from triple-A Tacoma and optioned left-hander Rob Rasmussen to the minors. … The Arizona Diamondbacks activated right-handed reliever Randall Delgado off the disabled list before Monday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates and optioned infielder-outfielder Jamie Romak to triple-A Reno. … The Marlins placed right-hander David Phelps on the 15-day disabled list Monday after he was pulled because of elbow discomfort Sunday.

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