Mota Is Arrested for DUI

Reliever Guillermo Mota is scheduled to appear June 17 in Glendale Superior Court after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

The California Highway Patrol arrested Mota early Monday morning in Glendale, Officer Ron Burch said. Mota was booked at the Glendale police station and released after he submitted to a breath test.

If charged with the misdemeanor offense, Mota could face a $1,200 fine and suspension of his driver’s license. Adam Katz, Mota’s agent, instructed attorney James E. Blancarte to speak on the pitcher’s behalf.

“We haven’t seen any of the reports yet,” Blancarte said, “so we don’t have any comment at this time.”

Mota, who rejoined the team in time for a chartered flight to Cincinnati, did not pitch Tuesday night as the Dodgers opened a six-game trip with a 2-1 victory over the Reds.

The paperwork on Mota had not been forwarded to the Glendale district attorney’s office as of Tuesday, an office spokesperson said. The Dodgers do not plan to take disciplinary action against Mota while the legal situation unfolds.

“What’s taking place right now is obviously legal in nature, and until it gets to the point it’s beyond a legal issue, it’s about him and the law,” Manager Jim Tracy said. “I don’t know all the facts, and I also don’t know the circumstances involved.

“Eventually, we’ll find out. When we get to that point, then I’ll get involved. I’ll talk to him when the appropriate time comes. That’s what I always do with my players. But we’re not there yet.”

The incident occurred at 2:05 a.m., Burch said, after Mota was observed speeding on the Ventura freeway. An officer instructed Mota to exit on Pacific Avenue, where he “conducted a series of field sobriety tests and determined that [Mota] was under the influence.” Mota’s blood-alcohol level was measured at .12, according to another law enforcement official. The legal limit in California is .08.

Mota, 29, is 1-0 with an 0.84 earned-run average. The right-hander was suspended for four games in spring training after intentionally hitting New York Met catcher Mike Piazza with a pitch.

*

Leadoff batter Dave Roberts leads the major leagues with 10 stolen bases. He extended his hitting streak to nine games with an eighth-inning single Tuesday, matching his personal best.

However, the center fielder committed his first error in 406 chances as a Dodger when he dropped Adam Dunn’s fly ball in front of the wall in the sixth.

*

Odalis Perez (sprained right ankle) expects to start Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.