Times wires
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
CLEVELAND — Indians RF Shin-Soo Choo was arrested Monday on suspicion of drunken driving after a breath test showed he had a blood-alcohol level of .201, more than double Ohio's legal limit of .08.
Choo, the sixth major-leaguer to be cited on a drunken driving charge this year, was arrested in Sheffield Lake, Ohio, after he failed a field sobriety test. An officer following Choo's white Cadillac SUV said he was driving erratically before he was stopped.
The South Korean, 28, traveled with the Indians and was expected to be in the starting lineup Tuesday night. Cleveland began the week with the best record in the majors.
General manager Chris Antonetti issued a statement Tuesday, saying the club has spoken to Choo about the incident.
"The Indians organization takes these issues very seriously and we are disappointed in the matter," Antonetti said. "We will continue to monitor the situation and we will not have any further comment at this time."
According to police, a patrolman first spoke to Choo at 2:25 a.m. He told the officer he was lost and needed directions to Avon Lake. Choo was allowed to continue driving but was later pulled over when he twice crossed the double-yellow lines and drifted into a bike path. He told the officer his GPS had broken and he was unable to get directions home.
Choo's eyes were bloodshot and he smelled of "an alcohol beverage," police said, and he was ordered out of the SUV.
Choo was unable to complete a heel-to-toe walking test, losing his balance, and failed two other sobriety tests, the report said.
UECKER HONORED: Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker was presented with the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association's Hall of Fame award before Milwaukee's game at the Braves. Uecker, nicknamed "Mr. Baseball," received a Hall of Fame plaque during a short ceremony in the radio booth.
ASTROS: LF Carlos Lee rejoined the team, but the left side of his ribcage was too sore to allow him to play. He bruised his ribs Sunday in a collision with SS Angel Sanchez.
A'S: LHP Dallas Braden is scheduled have his troublesome shoulder examined again by renowned orthopedist Dr. Lewis Yocum today. … Closer Andrew Bailey, out since mid March with a strained right forearm, is set to face live hitters for the first time today.
BREWERS: CF Nyjer Morgan was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list, and LH reliever Zach Braddock went on the DL because of a sleep disorder.
MARINERS: OF Milton Bradley was suspended for one game and fined after his ejection Saturday.
METS: LF Jason Bay took paternity leave to be with his wife for the birth of their third child. OF Lucas Duda was called up from Triple-A Buffalo.
RANGERS: The team is close to announcing a deal with Cuban defector Leonys Martin, 23, the Associated Press reported. Several sources reported that the deal with the speedy outfielder is worth $15.5 million over five years. … CF Josh Hamilton, the defending AL MVP who has been out since fracturing his upper right arm April 12, is expected to swing a bat off a tee today, one week ahead of schedule.
RED SOX: 3B Kevin Youkilis was scratched because of an undisclosed illness.
ROCKIES: 3B Ian Stewart, who was demoted to the minors after a 2-for-26 start, was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs. Former Rays INF Ty Wigginton went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique.
TIGERS: DH Victor Martinez, out since April 18 with a strained right groin, was activated from the disabled list.
TWINS: Minor-league LHP Paul Bargas, 22, was diagnosed with brain cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. … C Joe Mauer will begin doing some light swinging and throwing today as he rehabs from leg weakness. … DH Jim Thome was scratched because of a sore oblique muscle.