THE SIDELINES : Sox’ Martinez Jailed in Assault

White Sox infielder Carlos Martinez is in a Caracas, Venezuela, jail after his arrest on suspicion of hitting a man with a baseball bat, a newspaper reported today.

A native Venezuelan in his second year with the Sox, Martinez was playing winter baseball for the LaGuaira Tiburones (Sharks), the newspaper said.

Martinez allegedly went to University Stadium in Caracas with friends and relatives last Saturday to watch a baseball game. He got into trouble when he tried to get in without paying, the report said.

Martinez allegedly argued with Homero Herrera, a stadium guard, who then picked up a baseball bat and tried to strike Martinez. Martinez than allegedly grabbed the bat and struck Herrera on the arm, the newspaper said.

Venezuela does not have a bail system, and no decision has been made on whether Martinez will be given a trial. Sources said he would probably serve an eight-day sentence, the Tribune reported.