Padres, Adhering to Team Policy, Waive Two-Time Drug Loser Hoyt

The San Diego Padres, who mean it when they say, “We want a clean team,” asked waivers Wednesday on imprisoned pitcher LaMarr Hoyt for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release from the team.

Assuming he clears waivers, Hoyt, who is serving a 45-day prison sentence on Eglin Air Force Base near Pensacola, Fla., would become a free agent Monday.

The Padres made their decision based on two factors:

--Owner Joan Kroc has said it is her vow to have a team free of drugs, and in connection with that vow, it has been the Padres’ policy in recent years to trade or waive players who have continuing problems with drugs, such as second baseman Alan Wiggins in 1985. Twice in the last year, Hoyt was arrested for possession of tranquilizers and painkillers.

--On Jan. 15, Hoyt, 32, was due to get the first paycheck of his $1-million 1987 contract. The Padres, who believe that Hoyt breached his contract by getting involved with drugs, do not intend to pay him. Hoyt has three years remaining on his contract.

According to Arthur Shack of the Major League Players Assn., Hoyt may file a grievance against the Padres, demanding to be paid.

Hoyt’s criminal attorney, Howard Frank, said he doubted that Hoyt was aware he’d been waived. “People in custody don’t get phone calls,” Frank said.

Sources close to Hoyt didn’t think the pitcher would be too upset over Wednesday’s development. After spending 30 days at a drug rehabilitation center last spring, Hoyt, who won the 1983 Cy Young Award as the American League’s best pitcher while with the Chicago White Sox, said that it might be best for him to leave the Padres.

After Hoyt’s first arrest, last February at the San Ysidro border, he had been warned by team President Ballard Smith not to let it happen again. When it did, Padre sources said Hoyt’s release became almost inevitable.

Hoyt could be claimed by any major league team before Monday, but that is unlikely considering the team would be responsible for his $3-million contract. After Monday, a team can sign him at its own price.