Drake Britton, the Boston Red Sox prospect who pitched for the Portland Sea Dogs last season, said Friday he’s “extremely remorseful” about his recent drunken driving arrest.

According to media reports, Britton was arrested early last Saturday morning for driving under the influence, reckless driving and property damage after reaching speeds as high as 111 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone in Estero, Fla., near the Red Sox spring training home in Fort Myers.

Reports of the arrest became public Monday night, shortly after the Red Sox assigned Britton to the Sea Dogs.

“I’m extremely remorseful,” Britton said. “It’s an internal matter that’s going on right now. I’m sorry for the negativity that I brought but that’s about all I can say right now. I’d really rather not say anything else.”

Britton, a left-hander, pitched 3 1/3 innings for the Red Sox this spring and was expected to start this season with Triple-A Pawtucket. Last season he was 4-7 with a 3.72 ERA in 16 starts for the Sea Dogs.

METS: Jenrry Mejia, a pitching prospect, returned to camp and can resume baseball activities after being diagnosed with a hyperactive thyroid gland.

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Mejia, 23, flew to New York this week for tests following his spring-training physical. He has been advised by doctors not to eat seafood, which is rich in lodine, but he doesn’t have to take medication.

Mejia went 1-2 with a 5.63 ERA in five appearances for the Mets last season.

He reported to camp more than a week later than expected due to visa issues in the Dominican Republic and was roughed up in his lone exhibition game.

YANKEES: Mariano Rivera’s family is on its way to Florida for the expected announcement that one of baseball’s greatest relievers will retire after the season.

There have been numerous reports that this will be the last season for the 43-year-old closer.

A news conference is scheduled for Saturday at the Yankees’ spring training complex in Tampa. Rivera said after working out that those wanting to know his plans will have to wait. He said “whatever’s out there is speculation until I talk to you guys.”

CARDINALS: Allen Craig, coming off a breakout season, agreed to a $31 million, five-year contract that could be worth $43 million over six seasons.

Craig gets $1.75 million this year, $2.75 million in 2014, $5.5 million in 2015, $9 million in 2016 and $11 million in 2017. The Cardinals have a $13 million option for 2018 with a $1 million buyout.

Craig, 28, would have been eligible for salary arbitration next winter and for free agency after the 2016 World Series.


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