Candelaria Spends Morning in Jail After Allegedly Failing Breath Test

Angel pitcher John Candelaria, who will start tonight’s game against the Minnesota Twins, spent four hours in Orange County Jail early Friday morning after being arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to police reports, Candelaria was stopped by an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy at 2:15 a.m. after running a stop sign and a traffic light in Laguna Niguel. Candelaria failed a field sobriety test and was taken to Orange County Jail, where he also failed a breath analysis test, the police said.

Candelaria was booked and placed in a holding cell. In accordance with the jail’s “cite-and-release” program, designed to prevent overcrowding, Candelaria was held in custody for the required four hours and released at 6:20 a.m.

At Anaheim Stadium before Friday night’s game with the Twins, Candelaria declined to offer details about the incident.

“It was my off-day,” Candelaria said. (The Angels were idle Thursday.) “It’s nobody’s business but mine.”

Candelaria was asked if he intended to contest the charges.

“It’s my problem,” he said. Later, Candelaria asked reporters: “How many times have you driven under the influence?”

The Angels say no fine or other punitive action is planned for Candelaria. “The club’s view is that it happened on his own personal time,” team spokesman Tim Mead said.

Said Angel Manager Gene Mauch: “I have two comments about the John Candelaria situation. One, I wish it hadn’t happened and, two, I’m glad he’s not pitching till tomorrow (today). If he were pitching today (Friday), it wouldn’t have happened.”