Call to the pen
Fansided

Tampa Bay Rays: Randy Arozarena from penthouse to outhouse

By David Hill

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Randy Arozarena #56 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts after the end of the top of the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Six of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 27, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 27: Randy Arozarena #56 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts after the end of the top of the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Six of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 27, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Just a month ago, Tampa Bay Rays slugger Randy Arozarena was the toast of baseball. Now he is in legal trouble stemming from an incident in Mexico.

Randy Arozarena was on top of the world. The Tampa Bay Rays outfielder had become a star overnight due to his incredible performance in the 2020 postseason, appearing to be on the cusp of stardom. He had the potential to be a player that the Rays could not only build around on the field, but could also market for the foreseeable future. A movie was set to be made about his life and escape from Cuba. Life was good for Arozarena.

Those plans may have come crashing down on Tuesday. According to reports, Arozarena was arrested in Mexico after attempting to forcibly take his daughter from his ex-wife, and beating up his former father in law.

At this point, details are still coming in. Chances are, it will be a few days before everything is brought to light. But at this point, it seems as though Arozarena is in major legal trouble.

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Likewise, depending on how this situation plays out, Arozarena could be facing discipline from Major League Baseball as well. Even if he escapes penalty in Mexico, it is entirely possible that he would be facing punishment from the league.

If so, his loss would be a tremendous blow to the Rays lineup. In his 76 regular season plate appearances in 2020, he produced a .281/.382/.641 batting line, hitting seven homers. That performance, coupled with his incredible showing in the 2020 postseason, made Arozarena the favorite for the AL Rookie of the Year heading into 2021 while catapulting him into the spotlight.

But now, Arozarena is under a different spotlight. Although reports are not conclusive as to what exactly happened, and even the charges listed are different, Arozarena finds himself in hot water. That pedestal he had been placed upon is crumbling.

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Randy Arozarena was the toast of Tampa Bay Rays fans a month ago. Now he has gone from the penthouse to the outhouse.

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