LAKELAND, FLA. (AP) - Miguel Cabrera arrived at spring training for the first time since he was arrested last week on suspicion of drunken driving and promptly apologized as Major League Baseball said he will undergo treatment set up by doctors administered by management and its players’ union.
The 27-year-old was arrested Feb. 16 on suspicion of driving under the influence and resisting an officer without violence, both misdemeanors. He is set to be arraigned on March 16.
“I am ready to play and am sorry to my family, friends, teammates and the Detroit Tigers organization,” Cabrera said Thursday.
Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski said last week that Cabrera would undergo treatment before arriving. Tigers position players reported on Feb. 18.
Dombrowski said Cabrera will be treated throughout the season and it is up to manager Jim Leyland to decide when Cabrera will be ready to play.
Cabrera will suit up with the Tigers for his first workout on Friday, but won’t see any action when the Tigers scrimmage Florida Southern College.
Rob Manfred, baseball’s executive vice president of labor relations, said Cabrera has been evaluated by representatives of a treatment board operated by MLB and the union.
“Cabrera has voluntarily cooperated and has been completely forthcoming in this process,” Manfred said, adding that Cabrera was recommended “a multifaceted, professionally-administered program” that will “include supervision as is necessary to ensure that he adheres to his program.”
“Cabrera understands the importance of this program and is fully committed to the program,” Manfred said. “He also understands that any future alcohol-related incidents could involve more serious consequences.”
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