CAPE CORAL, Fla. -- Minnesota Twins pitcher Francisco Liriano was arrested and charged with drunken driving, but his team said he still could begin the season with the club.
The 22-year-old left-hander was released on $500 bond, the Lee County Jail said. He is to return to Cape Coral for a court date that has not yet been set.
"I made a mistake, and I'm going to pay for it," Liriano told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "I'm really sorry for what happened."
Liriano was going 56 mph in a 35 mph zone and drifting between lanes early Thursday, Cape Coral police spokesman Angelo Bitsis said Friday. An officer smelled alcohol and gave Liriano a field sobriety test, Bitsis said. Liriano registered a .133 blood-alcohol level, he added. Florida's unlawful blood-alcohol level for drivers is .08.
"He's a young man who made a mistake," Twins general manager Terry Ryan said. "He's embarrassed and I'm embarrassed."
Liriano made his major-league debut in September and went 1-2 with a 5.70 ERA in 23 2/3 innings. The Dominican is expected to start the season in the bullpen.