SAN FRANCISCO -- Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Brett Myers
rejoined the team Friday and is expected to pitch Sunday after
taking a leave of absence following his arrest on charges that he
hit his wife in the face.
"I've been humbled greatly by this problem and I deeply regret
any incident that happened," Myers said Friday before the Phillies
played the Giants. "Over the last several weeks I learned a lot
about myself and I have a lot more to learn."
A somber Myers spoke for 45 seconds and left without taking
questions.
"I want to apologize to my wife, my family, my teammates, the
entire Phillies organization and especially the fans," he said.
"I would like to thank you for respecting our privacy. We've both
decided it is time for me to rejoin the team."
Phillies catcher Mike Lieberthal said his teammates remain
supportive of his efforts and are just glad to have Myers back.
"The players are behind him," he said. "We need him in the
rotation. Any chance we have we need him to pitch well."
The Phillies started Friday's game second in the NL East, 12 1/2
games behind the New York Mets.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, who dealt with a similar
situation while with the Cleveland Indians, said it's going to take
time.
"I hope we can put it behind us," Manuel said. "I think he
has to learn to handle it. Eventually it will go away."
Myers was arguing with his wife shortly after midnight June 23
on a Boston street corner, according to a spokesman for the Suffolk
County District Attorney's office. Police responded to a 911 call
and found Myers' wife crying and with a swollen face.
Myers was placed on the temporary inactive list and optioned to
Class A Clearwater after he pleaded not guilty to assault charges
in Boston Municipal Court. His next court date is Aug. 4.
Myers and his wife, Kim, will continue to participate in
professional counseling sessions as part of the Phillies Employee
Assistance Program.
"Through the EAP program I have been guided to all the right
resources," Myers said. "Kim and I are committed to continue with
these resources, and will work through any problems."