Angels pitcher center of sex assault probe

ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Lefthander Jarrod Washburn of the Anaheim Angels has been sidetracked from his focus on the baseball playoffs because his name has been linked to a police investigation.

According to the Los Angeles Daily News, the Anaheim Police Department is conducting the probe and Washburn is a subject. The paper reported the incident occurred Sept. 1.

KABC-TV in Los Angeles reported that a 16-year-old girl called police from a hospital in Orange County, Calif., to tell them of the incident. No charges have yet been filed by the district attorney's office.

"The allegations brought forth are baseless and without merit," Washburn's agent, Scott Boras, told the paper. "And in time that will be brought forth. Jarrod's going to be back here because Jarrod's a baseball player. He's not going to have his job interrupted by baseless allegations. Jarrod's going to perform his normal course."

The paper said Washburn, 28, arrived at Edison Field in Anaheim shortly before Tuesday's game against Oakland, but left before the team gathered to be told of his situation.

"Jarrod expects to continue his career," Boras said. "He didn't want to be a distraction for the team. He wants the team to pursue a great year. An unfortunate thing about professional athletes is these allegations become newsworthy. They should take due course and then decide if there is merit."

"This case is under investigation, and unfortunately, because of the nature of the case, we're not at liberty to go into details of exactly what is occurring and what may have occurred," said Sgt. Rick Martinez, a police spokesman.

The club released a two-sentence statement which read: "We are fully cooperating with authorities regarding this issue. Out of respect to all parties involved, any additional comments would be inappropriate."

Boras said the investigation has been ongoing for nine days and the results have yet to be turned over to the district attorney.

Washburn, the team's leading pitcher this season with a 17-5 record and 3.32 ERA, is still on the active roster and could pitch as early as Thursday in the finale of the four-game series with the A's.

Angels Manager Mike Scioscia met with the team before the contest for 45 minutes before batting practice Tuesday. Most of his teammates declined to discuss the matter.

"I don't think anyone knows anything, really, so we can't make any judgments," said rightfielder Tim Salmon, a 10-year veteran. "We still have to play and we're still in a pennant race. That'll be enough of a motivation. If it becomes an issue, it's because the media will be around every day asking us about it. We don't know enough details. He's a teammate and we stand behind him. We've got business to do on the field, and we've got the kind of players who I don't think will be distracted by it."

Scioscia agreed.

"This club is going to keep its focus," he said. "We know what needs to be done on the field. Although this is difficult, our club is going to be able to go out and continue to play good baseball."

Washburn, who is married and has one small boy, is finishing his first full season with the team even though he has three years of Major League service. He came into the 2002 season with a 28-20 record and 4.14 ERA in 75 games.