Rays outfielder Arozarena arrested

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 expartner.” 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 twoday 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 domesticviolence 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. 1 The Atlanta Braves signed twotime All-Star Charlie Morton to a $ 15 million, oneyear deal Tuesday.

Morton, a 37yearold righthander, 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. 1 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 93yearold former manager has been taking online calls from former players and coaches at a hospital in Orange County. The team first announced he was hospitalized Nov. 15.

Lasorda attended the team’s Game 6 victory over the Rays on Oct. 27 in Texas that clinched the Dodgers’ first World Series title since 1988.