The Associated Press

HOUSTON - Former Astros shortstop Julio Lugo denies striking his wife and wants to see his 3 1/2-month-old son, according to a report published Saturday.

"It was embarrassing for me just to walk out there with the cops and have people looking at me," Lugo told the Houston Chronicle. "I had never been handcuffed in my life, never even been to jail."

Lugo was arrested Wednesday and the Astros cut him the next day, after he posted bond for a misdemeanor assault charge.

Mabel Lugo told police her husband punched her in the mouth and pushed her head into the side of a car. She filed for divorce Friday.

TWINS: Rick Reed left Saturday's game at Boston because of back strain. It was not immediately known if he would miss any time.

RANGERS: Todd Van Poppel made his first start since 2000 after Texas activated him for Saturday's game at Cleveland. Van Poppel, who had been on the disabled list since the start of the season because of a strained right groin, gave up five hits and five runs - three earned - in four innings, and did not get the decision in Texas' 6-5 win.