Orioles Looking Into Relief Pitcher’s Arrest

The Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday began their own examination into reliever Doug Johns’ arrest on drunk-driving and marijuana possession charges.

Johns, 31, was stopped by an officer in Baltimore at about 10:50 p.m. EDT Monday after running a red light, according to police spokesman Robert Weinhold. A search of Johns’ vehicle revealed a bag containing what police believe was marijuana.

Johns was fingerprinted and held until shortly before 4 a.m. Tuesday, when he was released on his own recognizance, according to a corrections spokeswoman.

“The organization has no comment at this time except that we’re in a fact-gathering mode regarding the situation,” Oriole spokesman John Maroon said.

Johns joined the Orioles in June 1997 after six seasons with the Oakland Athletics. Last season he went 3-3 with a 4.57 earned-run average in 31 games, including 10 starts.

The left-hander did not play in the Orioles’ season opener Monday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

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Outfielder Darryl Strawberry of the New York Yankees started the next phase of his comeback from colon cancer surgery and lingering knee problems.

Strawberry went through a conditioning workout and will add batting practice today as part of his extended spring training program at Tampa, Fla.

Strawberry is scheduled to join the Yankees’ triple-A team in Columbus after completing chemotherapy. Strawberry said the weekly treatments will be completed on April 16.

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Texas infielder Tom Evans cleared waivers and was assigned to triple-A Oklahoma City. Evans was claimed on waivers from Toronto on April 2.

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The Blue Jays completed their 25-man roster by purchasing the contract of catcher Mark Dalesandro from triple-A Syracuse.

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The Oakland A’s designated left-hander Ron Mahay for assignment and purchased the contract of first baseman John Jaha from triple-A Vancouver.

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The cap of Ranger pitcher Mike Morgan will be sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Morgan became the first athlete in a major pro sport to play for 11 different teams when he pitched three scoreless innings Monday against the Tigers.

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The Rangers announced a scoring change from Monday’s 11-5 loss to the Tigers. Ranger reliever Esteban Loaiza was originally charged with an earned run in the fourth inning, but it was changed to unearned Tuesday. Loaiza gave up a homer to Damion Easley in relief of starter Rick Helling, but it came after the Rangers botched a rundown play.