MLB Notes: Police eyeing Taser incident

PHILADELPHIA — Police are considering whether officers should get involved when unruly but nonthreatening fans sprint onto the field during sporting events, a review begun after a teenager was subdued with a Taser at a Phillies game.

A police officer used his stun gun Monday night on 17-year-old Steve Consalvi, who jumped onto the field and ran around in circles in the outfield.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey examined video of the arrest and felt the officer acted within department guidelines, which allow officers to use Tasers to arrest fleeing suspects, said police spokesman Lt. Frank Vanore. The department's internal affairs unit is investigating, Vanore said.

The department is now reviewing whether its officers should be on the field wrangling runaway fans who aren't threatening anyone, Vanore said.

“Should we be on the field at all?” Vanore said. “I'm not sure we should be chasing people around the field.”

Consalvi, a high school senior, leapt onto the field at the top of the eighth inning during Monday night's game against St. Louis. He ran around in the outfield, waving a white towel, and dodged two security officers.

The police officer chased him for about 30 seconds before the stun gun probe hit the teenager, who stumbled forward, slid face-first on the grass and stayed down for about 30 seconds before standing up and walking off the field.

Police said the teen is charged with defiant trespass, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Consalvi's mother, Amy Ziegler, apologized for his actions and said he regrets running onto the field.

His father, Wayne Consalvi, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that his son called him from the ballpark to tell him about the stunt. Wayne Consalvi said he told him not to do it.

The team said the police department was discussing with the Phillies whether using the stun gun was appropriate.

Vanore said it was the first time he knew of that a Philadelphia officer had used a Taser on a fan on the field. There have been instances in other cities of police using stun guns in the stands, including last year at an A's game.

Players didn't think the officer's action was excessive.

“If you're on the streets running away from a cop, doesn't that cop have a right to Tase you because you're fleeing from a cop? So what's the difference,” Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino said.

Rivera OK after bullpen session

NEW YORK — Mariano Rivera says he feels ready to take the mound again after throwing 10 to 15 pitches in the Yankees' bullpen.

The New York closer says he threw at his normal pace for a bullpen session and would be ready to pitch if called upon.

Catcher Jorge Posada, who left Monday night's game with a strained right calf, is also likely to get some rest. Manager Joe Girardi said he only envisioned using Posada in an emergency.

“We'll probably have a look on Friday,” he said.

Strasburg goes to Class AAA

WASHINGTON — The Nationals promoted No. 1 overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg to Class AAA Syracuse on Tuesday, keeping him on pace for a major league debut in the next month or so.

Strasburg went 3-1 with a 1.64 ERA in five starts with Class AA Harrisburg, striking out an Eastern League-high 27 and walking six in 22 innings. He ranked first in the league in strikeout-to-walk ratio and strikeouts per nine innings.

Strasburg will make his International League debut Friday when Syracuse hosts the Gwinnett Braves. He will throw 85 to 90 pitches or six innings, whichever comes first.

Canseco's court date postponed

WASHINGTON — Jose Canseco's appearance before the federal grand jury investigating Roger Clemens has been postponed again.

Canseco was scheduled to testify Thursday before the panel that will decide whether to indict Clemens for lying under oath to Congress.

Canseco's lawyer, Andrew Kirsh, said that Canseco likely will testify in early June.

In other news

• The Twins said an MRI exam on catcher Joe Mauer's injured left heel revealed no structural damage to his foot. Mauer was out of the lineup Tuesday against Detroit for the fourth straight game. Manager Ron Gardenhire says the test revealed a deep soft tissue bruise. The reigning AL MVP remains day-to-day.

• The Royals placed outfielder Rick Ankiel on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, retroactive to Monday, with a strained right quadricep. Kansas City also granted Roman Colon his release so Colon can sign with the KIA Tigers of the Korean Baseball Organization.

• Mets right-hander Mike Pelfrey is expected to make his next scheduled start on Friday, although he had some tightness in his shoulder the last time out.

• Phillies reliever Ryan Madson will miss at least eight weeks after having surgery Tuesday. Madson broke his right toe when he kicked a chair after blowing a save.

•Pittsburgh right-hander Kevin Hart has had surgery to repair a torn labrum and will miss the rest of the season.

— The Associated Press

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