Mortensen rejoins A’s after night in jail

OAKLAND, Calif. – Athletics pitcher Clay Mortensen rejoined the team Sunday after spending the night in jail following his arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Mortensen, acquired in the July trade that sent Matt Holliday to the St. Louis Cardinals, spent Saturday night in the Santa Clara County jail. He was released in time to be with Oakland for Sunday’s season finale against the Los Angeles Angels.

“I just want to apologize to the A’s, my family,” Mortensen said. “Calling my dad this morning was probably the worst thing I’ve ever had to do in my life.”

Legal counsel advised him not to take questions or comment on the situation.

“I’m deeply embarrassed for what I’ve done,” Mortensen said. “It’s just poor judgment and I can honestly say it will never happen again. I love playing here and I’m deeply sorry for putting the A’s through this.”

Mortensen (2-4, 7.81 ERA) made his major league debut with the A’s in August.

Mortensen pitched for Gonzaga University in 2006 and 2007.