PITTSBURGH (AP) -Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Alberto Callaspo was activated off the restricted list and rejoined the team on Saturday, nine days after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his wife.
In a statement released by the team, club president Derrick Hall said a counselor met with Callaspo on Friday “and found the player fit for work but recommended he undergo counseling.”
“He saw a counselor, and her advice was he goes back to work and the organization has heeded that advice,” manager Bob Melvin said Saturday. “He’s back here now and there’s still an ongoing investigation going on. That’s all we can comment on now.”
Callaspo, who hasn’t played since May 9, was not in the starting lineup.
“We’re going to have to do some extra work with him, get him some early work, some time in the cage and simulate game speed,” Melvin said. “We’ll do the best we can do.”
The 24-year-old Venezuelan issued a statement through the team.
“I look forward to putting this unfortunate matter behind us and focusing on helping my teammates win on the field again,” the statement read. “I apologize to the players, the organization and our fans for any distraction this may have caused.”
Melvin doesn’t expect Callaspo to address the team.
“He’s been in contact with some of our guys, and they’re aware of the situation,” Melvin said. “I don’t think he really needs to say anything to the team. I think, individually, he will talk to guys. I think his statement speaks for itself.”
Callaspo was taken into custody May 10 on suspicion of misdemeanor assault and felony criminal damage. The Diamondbacks immediately placed Callaspo on the restricted list without pay.
Court documents said Callaspo told police he argued with his wife and kicked her in the buttocks after she pushed him. He also said he threw a video camera and cell phone to the floor during the argument. He made an initial court appearance the following day and was released without bail.
Callaspo was ordered to stay away from his wife of two years, Marianny Paola, and the couple’s home. Callaspo and his wife have a 1-year-old child.
Callaspo’s reinstatement came two days after the players union filed a grievance on his behalf.
The rookie, valued by the team for his versatility, is batting .215 in 33 games, playing third base, first base and the outfield. He was the organization’s minor league player of the year in 2006 after hitting .337 at Triple-A Tucson, leading the Pacific Coast League with 165 hits.
To make room for Callaspo, the Diamondbacks designated infielder Jason Smith for assignment. Smith was claimed off waivers from Toronto on Wednesday, going 1-for-4 in two games.
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