Rangers speak with Scheppers about bar incident

ARLINGTON -- Rangers officials spoke with pitchers Tanner Scheppers and Joe Nathan, and catcher A.J. Pierzynski on Monday about the incident that took place early Friday morning in Cleveland.

The Rangers are content with Scheppers' explanation of the altercation with a group of strangers, but also acknowledged that Nathan and Pierzynski were with him at a downtown Cleveland bar at 2:30 Friday morning.

Scheppers said he was "sucker-punched" by unknown assailants, who then fled the scene. Scheppers did not file a report with the Cleveland police, but they did take him back to his hotel. He suffered bruises and cuts around his left eye.

"I want to thank the Cleveland police for handling it properly and taking me back to the hotel," Scheppers said Monday. "The next time I'll be more careful."

Scheppers originally said he was alone when the altercation occurred. On Monday, he confirmed that Nathan and Pierzynski were with him.

"Initially, I didn't say it because I didn't think it was a big deal and I didn't want to involve them," Scheppers said.