PITTSBURGH - Marlins backup catcher Ramon Castro was arrested and jailed on suspicion of rape Thursday after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her in his hotel room, officials said.
Castro, 27, was taken to the Allegheny County Jail late Thursday. He also was being held on suspicion of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault and unlawful restraint.
Pittsburgh police Lt. Kevin Kraus said a 28-year-old woman went to a hospital early Thursday morning and reported she had been raped a couple hours earlier. A hospital worker called police at 5:42 a.m.
The woman was treated and released for what Kraus described as minor injuries.
Kraus said Castro met the woman at a bar in Pittsburgh's Strip District and she went with him to the nearby Westin Convention Center Hotel downtown, where Castro was staying during the Marlins' three-game series against the Pirates.
Another couple went with the woman and Castro to the hotel, police said.
According to Kraus, the woman said the assault took place in Castro's room after the other couple left.
Kraus said police intend to conduct additional interviews but declined to say with whom.
J. Alan Johnson, a former U.S. Attorney representing Castro, said: "It is difficult today to be a professional athlete. It's difficult when you're charged with this for anyone, but especially difficult if you are a professional athlete."
Pittsburgh police Cmdr. Maurita Bryant defended the investigation, saying police treated it no differently than other rape cases.
The Marlins' series against the Pirates concluded Thursday night at PNC Park, but Castro was not in the lineup. He did not play in the Pirates' 4-0 win Wednesday night.
Marlins All-Star pitcher Dontrelle Willis said he doubted the charges against Castro were true.
"He is a good guy. I'm not believing it," Willis said.
