Drake Britton arrested for DUI, Red Sox taking it 'very seriously'

Drake Britton was arrested Saturday for DUI. (Elsa/Getty Images)

Red Sox left-hander Drake Britton was arrested Saturday evening in Florida and charged with driving under the influence, according to a report Tuesday afternoon from Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com.

The 23-year-old pitcher, in his first big-league camp, was clocked by a patrol car with the Lee County Sheriff's office at 111 mph in a 45 mph zone at 4:42 Saturday morning. He is also being charged with reckless driving and property damage. He came to a stop on a dirt road after attempting to enter a wooded area and when the officer in pursuit asked for his license, Britton handed him his debit card. He refused a breathalyzer but admitted to drinking and was brought to County jail.

Britton was scheduled to pitch Sunday behind Ryan Dempster but was instead optioned to Double-A Portland, where he had spent last season. In 16 starts with Portland, he was 4-7 with a 3.72 ERA, striking out 76 in 84 and 2/3 innings.

The Sox would not elaborate on the situation, only to say that the team is aware of the situation and is taking it seriously:

"This is a matter that the Red Sox take very seriously, and it is being addressed. The club will not make further comment on this matter."