NewsA's rookie Mortensen arrested
Righty detained Saturday on suspicion of DUIBy Mychael Urban / MLB.com
10/05/09 6:36 PM EST
OAKLAND -- The A's announced during the second inning of Sunday's season finale against the Angels that rookie right-hander Clayton Mortensen was arrested and detained on Saturday night under suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. "He was released from Santa Clara County jail this morning and arrived at the [Oakland-Alameda County] Coliseum on time for pregame drills," said the club's statement. "The A's are aware of the situation and will have no comment until further details are available." Acquired in the trade that sent Matt Holliday to the Cardinals in late July, Mortensen, 24, made his big league debut with St. Louis on July 29. He has been up with the A's twice this season and has an overall record of 2-4 a 7.63 ERA in seven games, including six starts."First off, I want to apologize to the A's and their fans and my family," Mortensen said in an organized statement to reporters after Sunday's season finale. "Calling my dad this morning was probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I'm deeply ... ashamed and embarrassed."
Mortensen did not field questions when he was finished speaking and thanked the public and media for respecting his privacy in the matter.
Mychael Urban is a national writer for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
