The Associated Press

CINCINNATI — Reds pitcher Mike Leake was arrested on a shoplifting charge at a downtown department store Monday, accused of trying to steal six shirts with a total value of $59.88.

The 23-year-old starter was booked at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a first-degree misdemeanor charge of shoplifting. It carries a maximum of 180 days in jail.

He was arrested about two hours before Cincinnati pitchers were expected at Great American Ball Park to take batting practice before the final game of a series against Pittsburgh. Leake started and got the victory in an 11-2 win over the Pirates on Saturday.

Leake said in a statement released by the Reds that his attorney told him not to discuss the arrest. Leake apologized to his family, to the club and to fans “for this distraction.”

The Reds issued a statement saying, “We do not condone behavior of the type alleged, which is wholly inconsistent with the principles of this organization and our community and is detrimental to the positive direction we seek to follow. When the legal process has been completed, we will handle this matter internally.”

Police arrest reports said Leake removed the price tags from six American Rag T-shirts at a Macy’s store and tried to leave without paying for them. Leake makes $425,000 in his second season in the majors.

A Macy’s spokesman said the company had no comment beyond what was reported by police.

Leake was the eighth overall pick in the June 2009 draft and made the jump directly from Arizona State to the majors last spring, when he won the fifth starter’s spot in the rotation. He was the 21st player who went right from the draft to the majors since 1965.

The right-hander helped the Reds get started toward their NL Central title, going 8-4 with a 4.23 ERA in 22 starts and two relief appearances. The Reds shut him down at 138 1-3 innings, not wanting to hurt his arm by pushing him too far as a rookie.

The Reds have been relying on Leake again this season while they get through shoulder injuries to starters Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey, who are on rehab stints in the minors and could return by the end of the month. Leake has made three starts, going 2-0 with a 5.40 ERA.

Bailey near return

CINCINNATI (AP) — Reds right-hander Homer Bailey thinks he’s one more successful rehab start away from returning to the majors.

Bailey has been on the disabled list since the start of the season with an inflamed pitching shoulder. He threw 62 pitches in five scoreless innings for Triple-A Louisville on Sunday, allowing two hits.

Bailey said on Monday that he felt fine and was encouraged by his showing. He’ll make one more start in the minors and if that goes well, he could be activated.

“It went pretty good,” said Bailey, who allowed only two hits. “I didn’t feel any pain, which is plus No. 1. Early on I felt good. About the fifth inning, I felt pretty tired there. That goes with the territory of building up the pitches.”

The Reds have stayed atop the NL Central despite missing Bailey and starter Johnny Cueto, also on the disabled list with shoulder problems. Cueto made his first rehab start on Saturday and had no issues.