MLB roundup: Cubs' Marmol angrily denies accusations
Chicago Cubs closer Carlos Marmol told reporters Monday that he is angry about being accused of domestic abuse by a woman in the Dominican Republic and said he is innocent.
"I gave a ride to this girl that I know and she said I tried to have sex with her," Marmol said during the first day that pitchers and catchers reported to the Cubs' facility in Mesa, Ariz. "I never did that."
He said he first heard about the accusations against him while listening to the radio in the Dominican Republic. The alleged incident occurred on Oct. 28 of last year.
The woman filed a lawsuit in civil court and the case has been elevated to the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court so Marmol may have to go back to the Dominican Republic to appear.
"I am frustrated a lot," Marmol said. "I didn't do anything. This is very frustrating. I gave her a ride to a party that is close to my house and that was all. I am very (ticked) off. My lawyers and I went to the police and we are trying to get her to go to jail."
Marmol may file a countersuit.
---The Pittsburgh Pirates changed the parameters of the two-year, $12.75 million contract they gave to left-hander Francisco Liriano after he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he broke his right arm when he accidentally slammed it against a door while trying to startle his kids on Christmas. It had been reported in January that Liriano broke the arm while falling in his bathroom.
When the Pirates found out -- before it was revealed to the public Monday -- how Liriano really broke his arm, they changed the terms of the contract so that only $1 million is guaranteed.
---Former major league catcher Mike Piazza, who was not elected to the Hall of Fame last month possibly because of suspicions he used performance-enhancing drugs, said in his book that he used androstenedione (andro) and amphetamines (greenies), but nothing stronger, according to the New York Post. Piazza also denied rumors that he is gay.
---Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander became the latest star pitcher to turn down an offer to pitch in the World Baseball Classic, CBS Sports reported.
Verlander was not on the U.S. team's roster but a spot was available for him if he wanted it. He reportedly told manager Joe Torre that he decided not to participate in the tournament.
---The Los Angeles Dodgers signed right-handed reliever Kevin Gregg to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, the team announced.
Gregg, 34, was 3-2 with a 4.95 ERA last year with the Baltimore Orioles
---The Oakland A's and left-handed reliever Hideki Okajima have reached an agreement on a minor-league deal, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Okajima still must pass a physical. He has not pitched in the major leagues since going 1-0 with a 4.32 earned run average for the Boston Red Sox in 2011.
