A Dutch court in Amsterdam acquitted the brother of Seattle Mariners outfielder Greg Halman on Thursday of stabbing the baseball star to death last year, saying he was temporarily insane at the time.
Rotterdam District Court ruled Jason Halman “was in a state of psychosis at the time of the stabbing” and could therefore not be held accountable for his actions.
Greg Halman hit .230 in 35 games for the Mariners in 2011 and made starts at all three outfield positions before being optioned to Triple-A Tacoma. Halman hit .243 in 112 games for the Rainiers in 2010 and .299 in 40 games in 2011.
The 24-year-old Halman died after being stabbed in the neck on Nov. 21 at an apartment in Rotterdam, reportedly following an argument over loud music.
In a written statement, the court said Jason Halman was allowed to walk free after psychiatric and psychological assessments found “there is only a remote chance of any reoccurrence; it is well possible that the psychosis has been a singular event.”
Halman was released from custody two weeks ago after prosecutors joined defense attorneys in saying that he should be acquitted on mental health grounds.
STRASBURG’S SEASON NEARLY OVER
Stephen Strasburg has “probably” two or three starts remaining before he’s done for the season, and he can no longer claim he wasn’t told the shutdown was coming.
Washington Nationals manager Davey Johnson said he spoke to Strasburg about the right-hander’s innings limit Wednesday night on a flight to New York from a series in Miami against the Marlins.
Johnson said Strasburg is down to “probably … two or three” starts to go in the ace’s first full season since undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery. Strasburg is 15-6 and has thrown 150 innings.
The Nationals began the day with a five-game lead over Atlanta in the National League East.
SHORT HOPS
Brewers right-hander Shaun Marcum left his start against the Cubs after four innings because of cramping in his right calf. Marcum was making his second start since missing two months because of elbow soreness. … The Twins placed center fielder Denard Span on the 15-day disabled list with an injured collarbone. … Injured Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is set to play for Class A Tampa at Lakeland in the Florida State League tonight. The 37-year-old star has been out for more than a month since a pitch from Mariners ace Felix Hernandez broke his left hand. … The White Sox purchased the contract of former Mariners infielder Jose Lopez from Triple-A Charlotte and placed backup catcher Tyler Flowers on the paternity leave list. Lopez was signed to a minor league contract by Chicago on Aug. 14 after being designated for assignment by the Indians. The 2006 AL All-Star is a .262 career hitter over nine seasons.
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