FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. — Former major-league star Dwight Gooden was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and leaving the scene of an accident.
The former pitcher for the Mets and Yankees had a child in his vehicle at the time of the two-vehicle crash around 9 a.m. Tuesday, Franklin Lakes police Capt. Joseph Seltenrich said. Police wouldn’t say whose child it was, but they said no one was hurt.
Gooden also was charged with child endangerment and motor vehicle violations, authorities said. They wouldn’t release details, including the type of drugs.
Gooden, 45, was released on his own recognizance until a municipal court hearing.
Gooden has waged a well- publicized battle with alcohol and drugs, including cocaine.
The driver of the other car, Ronald Schmidt of Franklin Lakes, said he recognized Gooden right away.
“I looked at him, and I knew it was Dwight Gooden,” Schmidt said. “I think he was surprised I recognized him, (and) he shook my hand.”
Pedroia says wrist is OK
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia said he’s fine one day after the 2008 AL MVP landed awkwardly on his left wrist during Boston’s game against the Twins.
“I rolled my wrist,” Pedroia said Wednesday. “I’ll take BP (today) and then play (Friday). That’s it. I’m good. There’s nothing. It’s more spring training (precaution). It hurt at the time and then they just took me out of the game. So, no big deal.”
Pujols returns; Molina hurt
JUPITER, Fla. — Albert Pujols was hitless in his return to the lineup from a sore back, but Yadier Molina left the Cardinals’ 4-2 win over the Orioles because of a side injury.
The all-star catcher left the game in the second inning with a strained right oblique and will be re-evaluated today. He was injured while sliding into second base with a double. Molina advanced to third on David Freese’s single to center, but did not try to score. He left the game immediately thereafter.
Cubs’ Guzman has surgery
SURPRISE, Ariz. — Cubs reliever Angel Guzman had arthroscopic surgery to repair a career-threatening injury to his right shoulder.
The procedure, performed Tuesday by noted orthopedist James Andrews, was not as extensive as the Cubs anticipated, meaning Guzman has a better chance to pitch again than first expected.
Guzman had several screws inserted to repair a torn ligament. The Cubs were hoping he would be their right-handed setup man after he pitched in a career-high 55 games last season and posted a 2.95 ERA.
Footnotes.
The Diamondbacks lost Justin Upton to a sprained left ankle during a 10-3 loss to the White Sox in Glendale, Ariz., but the outfielder said he was removed only as a precaution.
• Nationals top prospect Stephen Strasburg pitched for the first time since leaving big-league camp, striking out nine batters in 4 1/3 shutout innings of an intrasquad minor- league game in Viera, Fla.
• The Athletics acquired right-handed reliever Edwar Ramirez from the Rangers in a trade that sent infielder Gregorio Petit to Texas.
• Left-hander Ron Mahay and the Twins agreed to a minor-league contract.
• The Royals announced left-handed pitching prospect Danny Duffy has left baseball in order to reassess his priorities.
The Associated Press
