Tampa Bay outfielder Randy Arozarena arrested in Mexico’s Yucatan
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena has been arrested in Mexico’s Yucatan state for a situation involving an apparent custody dispute, two weeks after he won the Babe Ruth award for the Most Valuable Player in the postseason.
The Yucatan state prosecutors’ office confirmed Tuesday that Arozarena was detained “for problems relating to his ex-partner.” The office did not explain what those problems were, but video posted on social media suggested it might have involved a dispute over a child.
Arozarena had not been formally charged. Mexican law allows a two-day period for prosecutors to decide whether to bring charges. Normally suspects are held in jail pending that decision.
“We are aware of reports that Randy Arozarena was detained in Mexico,” the Rays said in a brief statement. “We are gathering more information on this situation, and we have no further comment at this time.”
Major League Baseball is likely to investigate under its joint domestic-violence policy with the players’ association.
Arozarena hit .377 with 10 homers and 14 RBIs in 20 postseason games for the AL champion Rays, who lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• The Atlanta Braves signed two-time All-Star Charlie Morton to a $15 million, one-year deal Tuesday.
Morton, a 37-year-old right-hander, is returning to the Braves after helping Tampa Bay reach the World Series this season.
The Rays declined his $15 million option and the Braves gave him what he would have earned.
• Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda’s condition has improved while he remains hospitalized in Southern California.
Dodgers spokesman Steve Brener said the team’s 93-year-old former manager has been taking online calls from former players and coaches at a hospital in Orange County. The...