Texas Rangers Pitcher Assaulted in Downtown Cleveland Before Game

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Texas Rangers say they're investigating a claim by pitcher that he was attacked in downtown Cleveland last week.

Scheppers said he was "sucker-punched" by several young males while going out to dinner a few blocks from the team's hotel Thursday night. He sustained facial cuts and bruises, and said his attackers ran away.

Cleveland-based entertainment website Scene reported Sunday that Scheppers verbally instigated the incident. The website cited a witness without giving the person's name.

The Cleveland Police Department said in a statement Sunday that Scheppers was involved in a physical altercation at 2:30 a.m. Friday. Police said Scheppers refused to provide information to officers and declined to file a report.

Asked after Sunday's game about the episode, Scheppers said he had nothing more to say.