ATLANTA - Braves shortstop Rafael Furcal returned to the starting lineup after issuing a public apology for his second DUI arrest in four years.
"I want to say I'm sorry to Bobby Cox and also all my teammates and all the fans, the baseball fans who follow me in my career and follow the Atlanta Braves," Furcal said.
Cox, the Braves manager, said he was not reluctant to put Furcal in the starting lineup after the player was arrested early Friday and charged with driving under the influence, speeding and reckless driving. He spent much of Friday in two separate Atlanta area jails before arriving at Turner Field in time to watch Friday night's game.
Furcal was arrested after he was clocked at 88 mph in a 55 mph zone on Interstate 85. After he failed a field sobriety test, he registered a blood alcohol level of 0.127. The limit at which Georgia presumes impairment is 0.08.
Furcal faces a potential sentence of 90 days to 12 months in jail. Part of the sentence could be served on probation.
According to Georgia law, anyone convicted twice of DUI within five years must spend at least 72 hours in jail, perform a minimum of 30 days' community service and complete a course on the dangers of alcohol abuse. Furcal also could lose his license.
Furcal was on probation in Cobb County for a June 2000 arrest on similar charges.
ATHLETICS: Catcher Damian Miller made a throwing error in the first inning of a 5-4 victory over Cleveland. It was his first error in 97 games and 1,014 chances since July 18 last year.
CUBS: Matt Clement will miss his scheduled start today because of a sore muscle in his back and neck. Clement left his last two starts prematurely. He probably will pitch Tuesday against Pittsburgh. Glendon Rusch will start in his place today.
GIANTS: Barry Bonds drew a first-inning walk to set a major league record with his 199th, one more than his total two years ago. Arizona's Stephen Randolph walked him on five pitches with two outs and a runner on first.
MARINERS: Left-hander Randy Williams was recalled from Triple-A to take George Sherrill's spot in the bullpen. The Mariners shut down the left-handed Sherrill because his arm was fatigued.
METS: Pitcher Matt Ginter was placed on the 60-day disabled list and is scheduled for surgery Monday to remove bone chips from his right ankle.
ROCKIES: Todd Helton walked three times in a 13-2 win over San Diego. He has 113 for the season, breaking the team record of 111 he set last year.
YANKEES: New York observed the third anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks by wearing hats with an American flag on the side.
