Astros’ Lugo Is Arrested

Houston Astro shortstop Julio Lugo was demoted Thursday, hours after he was arrested and charged with hitting his wife in the face and slamming her head on a car hood.

Lugo was arrested after Wednesday night’s game at Minute Maid Park. He was freed on $50,000 bond Thursday after spending the night in jail. Lugo’s wife, Mabel, was treated for minor injuries at a hospital and released.

The Astros designated Lugo for assignment, meaning they have 10 days to release, trade or send him to the minors.

“We felt it was in Julio’s best interest and in the best interest of the organization to put this situation behind us as quickly as possible and let Julio get on with his career elsewhere,” General Manager Gerry Hunsicker said.

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The Florida Marlins lost a starter for the second time in a week when left-hander Mark Redman was sidelined because of a broken thumb on his pitching hand and is expected to sit out two to four weeks.... The San Diego Padres optioned left-hander Oliver Perez to triple-A Portland.