CHULA VISTA, Calif. -- A former San Diego Padre accused of attacking a man in a South Bay golf course last week pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony assault and battery charges.

Kevin Mitchell, who played third base for the Padres in 1987 and was the National League's Most Valuable Player when he played for San Francisco in 1989, was allowed to remain free on $25,000 bail.

Mitchell, 48, was arrested July 21 at the Bonita Golf Club on Sweetwater Road.

His alleged victim said he suffered a concussion and blurred vision as a result of the assault, in which no weapon was used, said Deputy District Attorney Sherry Thompson.

She said Mitchell faces up to four years in prison if convicted of battery causing serious bodily injury and assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury.

South Bay Judge Garry Haehnle ordered Mitchell to return to court Sept. 1 for a readiness conference and Sept. 15 for a preliminary hearing.

In 1989, Mitchell was sued by a former girlfriend who claimed he beat her and threatened her with a gun. Criminal charges were dropped after Mitchell enrolled in a domestic violence diversion program, according to published reports.

In 2000, while managing the minor league Sonoma County Crushers, Mitchell was suspended after punching the opposing manager during a brawl.