HOUSTON -- Former Houston Astros shortstop Julio Lugo grabbed his wife by her hair and slammed her face first into their vehicle, prosecutors said during opening statements of his misdemeanor assault trial Tuesday.

Defense attorneys dispute the charge. They say Lugo, who now plays for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, was trying to prevent his wife from hitting him and he did not mean to hurt her.

"He did what any human being would do. He blocked the hit," attorney Chris Tritico said. "There was no intent for Julio to hit his wife. He did not want his wife to hit him."

Tritico told jurors Mabel Lugo tried twice to strike her husband and the ballplayer was attempting to block her blows when she received a lump on her forehead and a swollen lip.

Assistant District Attorney Catherine Evans told jurors that Lugo and his wife, Mabel, began arguing about their marriage as they drove to Minute Maid Park on April 30. Evans said Lugo hit his wife with the back of his fist, forcing her head into a window as he drove. Evans said Lugo then struck his wife again once the pair arrived at the ballpark.

"He grabbed her head and then slammed it into the back of the car," Evans said. "Afterward, he drives away. She's scared, she's upset, she calls police."

Days after his arrest, the Astros released Lugo. He signed a one-year deal with the Devil Rays in May.

If convicted, Lugo could face up to a year in prison and a $4,000 fine. The trial was expected to last three days.

Houston Police officer Jesus DeLaCruz testified Tuesday that Mabel Lugo was crying and had a swollen lip and bump on her head when he interviewed her about the altercation. DeLaCruz also said he noticed some of Mabel Lugo's clothing had been torn.

Lugo was arrested at Minute Maid Park after the Astros lost to Atlanta later that day.

Lugo spent a night in jail before being released on bond. A Harris County judge later issued a restraining order prohibiting him from going within 200 feet of his wife.