WESTON, Fla. – Manny Ramirez, the former Red Sox outfielder and World Series MVP, was arrested Monday after a domestic dispute at his south Florida home and charged with battery, police said.

Ramirez, 39, and his wife were arguing in their bedroom when he slapped her face, causing her to hit her head on their bed’s headboard, according to a police report. She told the deputy she was afraid the situation would escalate and called police.

Ramirez denied hitting his wife, according to the report, telling a deputy she hit her head after he shrugged her. Ramirez’s wife had injuries consistent with her story but didn’t want medical treatment.

Ramirez retired in April from Tampa Bay after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. Rather than face a 100-game suspension for a second violation of baseball’s drug policy, he left the game.

Ramirez previously served a 50-game ban in 2009 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Second-time offenders get double that penalty.

 

CARDINALS: Pitcher Chris Carpenter and St. Louis are closing in on a $21 million, two-year contract.

The agreement is likely to be announced this week.

 

BLUE JAYS: Reliever Jon Rauch was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a cartilage tear in his right knee.

Rauch plans to be examined next week by a knee specialist, Dr. Richard Steadman, in Vail, Colo. The team’s medical staff recommended surgery, which would have a likely recovery time of 6 to 8 weeks.

 

WHITE SOX: Chicago activated right fielder Carlos Quentin from the 15-day disabled list.

Quentin sprained his left shoulder Aug. 20 while making a diving catch against Texas. He was put on the disabled list Aug. 27.

 

REDS: Utility infielder Chris Valaika will have season-ending surgery next week to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Valaika was hurt in the fifth inning Sunday at Colorado when his spikes caught in the dirt as he was swinging at a pitch. He singled on the play and stayed in the game through two outs in the bottom half before leaving.