Arizona Diamondbacks vs Cincinnati Reds
12:35 PM ET, April 21, 2011
Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
An off-field incident will not prevent Mike Leake from making his next start for the Cincinnati Reds.
Three days after being arrested on misdemeanor shoplifting charges, Leake looks to help the Reds avoid a fifth straight loss Thursday and first sweep by the Arizona Diamondbacks at Great American Ball Park.
Leake (2-0, 5.40 ERA) was arrested by Cincinnati police Monday at a downtown department store, accused of removing the tags from six T-shirts and trying to steal them. The shirts were valued at $59.88. Leake is making $425,000 in his second season in the majors.
After discussions within the organization, manager Dusty Baker decided to keep the 23-year-old right-hander on schedule to start. Leake has not talked publicly about the incident, other than to issue an apology "for this distraction."
In his first court hearing Tuesday, Leake's lawyer asked to let him enter a diversion program for first-time offenders. If accepted, he would pay a $200 fee, likely perform volunteer work and take a class.
Three days after being arrested on misdemeanor shoplifting charges, Leake looks to help the Reds avoid a fifth straight loss Thursday and first sweep by the Arizona Diamondbacks at Great American Ball Park.
Leake (2-0, 5.40 ERA) was arrested by Cincinnati police Monday at a downtown department store, accused of removing the tags from six T-shirts and trying to steal them. The shirts were valued at $59.88. Leake is making $425,000 in his second season in the majors.
After discussions within the organization, manager Dusty Baker decided to keep the 23-year-old right-hander on schedule to start. Leake has not talked publicly about the incident, other than to issue an apology "for this distraction."
In his first court hearing Tuesday, Leake's lawyer asked to let him enter a diversion program for first-time offenders. If accepted, he would pay a $200 fee, likely perform volunteer work and take a class.
Watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Cincinnati Reds Live Online Stream Free April 21, 2011
