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IRVINE, Calif. | Utilityman Scott Spiezio was cut by the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, released after being charged in a six-count complaint involving drunken driving and assault in a December car crash.
“We had heard some things about this,” Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said. “Ultimately nothing was ever confirmed to the level it was today. To have this warrant put out there, it completely changes the landscape of what we’re dealing with.”
A warrant was issued Tuesday for Spiezio, who missed more than a month last year while getting treatment for substance abuse. The warrant was recalled Wednesday after Spiezio’s attorney appeared in court, and the arraignment was continued to March 26.
The Orange County district attorney charged Spiezio with misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence, driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or more, hit and run, aggravated assault, assault and battery.
Spiezio, 35, did not play in Wednesday’s exhibition game against St. Louis University at Jupiter, Fla.
“Scott is clean and sober,” Spiezio’s agent, Barry Meister, “and has been for a significant period of time, and is fully prepared to continue his career. He has had no problems at Cardinals’ camp, is in great shape and was and is looking to have a great 2008 season.”
Police said the accident occurred Dec. 30. The maximum penalty is two years in state prison.
Team doctor Stephen Adams said DeRosa is expected to return to Arizona on Sunday, be back on the field as early as Monday and ready to play in spring training games by March 8.
•CUBS WOULD SELL WRIGLEY NAMING RIGHTS: Sam Zell, the chief executive officer of the Tribune Company, says he won’t hesitate to sell the naming rights to Wrigley Field — even if baseball purists don’t like the idea.
•RAYS’ KAZMIR OUT TWO WEEKS: Tampa Bay left-hander Scott Kazmir will be sidelined for at least two weeks of spring training because of an elbow strain, although he remains confident he’ll be ready for opening day.
Exhibition scores
•Rockies 7, White Sox 3
•Tigers 4, Mets 2
•Phillies 8, Reds 1
•Cardinals 15, St. Louis U 2, 6 inn.
•Braves 8, Georgia 0
•Pirates 5, Manatee CC 0
•Nationals 3, Marlins 3, tie
Highlights
•Troy Tulowitzki homered on his first swing of the spring for the Rockies.
•The Reds’ Jeremy Affeldt gave up one run and three hits in two innings.
•Colby Rasmus reached base four times and scored four runs for the Cardinals.
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