Carlos Martinez, of the Chicago White Sox,...

Carlos Martinez, of the Chicago White Sox, was freed after eight days in a Caracas, Venezuela, prison to begin a trial for assault that could end his baseball career.

Martinez, a 25-year-old Venezuelan who hit .300 in 350 at-bats for the White Sox last season, was held in jail while the criminal court decided which charges he would face.

Criminal Judge Ibelise Duran freed Martinez, who has been accused of beating a Caracas stadium guard with a bat on Dec. 20 after the guard forbade him to enter the park through an entrance not meant for players.

Martinez could be ordered to remain in Venezuela during the length of the trial, which “could last months or years” according to prosecuting attorney Luis Naranjo.