Gary Matthews Jr. linked to steroid probe

TEMPE, Ariz., March 1 (UPI) -- Coming off a breakout season that earned him a big contract with the Los Angeles Angels, Gary Matthews Jr. has been linked to a steroid investigation.

Matthews' name cropped up in a two-year investigation in Albany, N.Y., the New York Times said Thursday. He was on a customer list of an Orlando, Fla., pharmacy that allegedly sold illegal steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs online.

Four people with ties to the pharmacy were arrested Tuesday. But P. David Soares, the district attorney for Albany County, would not confirm whether the center fielder was involved.

Matthews, with his seventh team in a nine-year career, met with Angels owner Arte Moreno, manager Mike Scioscia and general manager Bill Stoneman at the team's spring training site in Tempe, Ariz., then read a brief statement. He declined to comment on specific issues in the investigation.

Matthews hit .313 last season with 19 home runs and 79 RBI.