The Beauty of Spring

Rays’ reliever Al Reyes arrested after fight in Tampa bar

TAMPA, Fla. (AP)—Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Al Reyes was shocked with a stun gun and arrested early Friday after police say he fell against a ceramic pot in a bar, got up and picked a fight with a man he thought pushed him.

Reyes, treated at the scene for a cut on his nose, was charged with being in a fight that disturbed the peace. Eduardo Mora was charged with battery. Both men were released on their own recognizance, police said.

Witnesses told officers that Reyes, who turned 38 on Thursday, appeared to be intoxicated when he exchanged words with Mora, who punched the 6-foot-1, 240-pound pitcher in the face at the Hyde Park Cafe around 2:30 a.m.

A police statement said that when bouncers grabbed Mora, Reyes began spitting blood on patrons and swinging his arms. When the bouncers were unable to control Reyes, a police officer working extra duty at the club intervened, asking Reyes to stop.

When the pitcher “continued spitting blood and thrashing about,” the officer told Reyes he was going to use his Taser, which knocked Reyes to the ground. He was shocked a second time after not complying with commands to stay down.

The Rays did not have an immediate comment.