Blue Jays notebook: Walker apologizes after DUI

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TAMPA, Fla. — The positivity at Toronto Blue Jays camp took a temporary hit Saturday when it was revealed pitching coach Pete Walker was arrested and charged with DUI early Friday morning.

The 52-year-old was pulled over shortly after midnight for driving 82 mph in a 45-mph zone, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

The report says Walker failed a field sobriety test and was booked a couple hours later, before being released shortly after 9 a.m. on $500 bond.

A Florida television station broke the news on its website just as the Jays were taking the field at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa against the New York Yankees in Grapefruit League action.

The club quickly confirmed what had happened and Walker spoke with the media after the game.

“There was a traffic incident on Thursday night that I was involved in,” Walker said. “Obviously, I'm very apologetic to the Blue Jays organization, Blue Jay fans, and my family. It’s something that I'm working through with my attorney to get resolution right now. Obviously, my apologies to my three daughters, as well. Right now, we're working through it with my attorney for a resolution in this, and that's the only comment I'll have right now.”

Manager Charlie Montoyo said he learned of the incident Friday night, and did not comment when asked if Walker will be disciplined by the team.

“We're still gathering information and out of respect for the process, that's all I’m going to say,” Montoyo said.

ESPINAL ADDS WEIGHT

Santiago Espinal went into camp eyeing the starting third base job.

Then the Jays went out and traded a package of prospects for Matt Chapman.

Now, Espinal and Cavan Biggio are slated to share time at second base in the early going, but either