Steven Wright reacts to 15-game suspension from MLB

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A contrite Steven Wright said he "messed up,'' in a December incident with his wife that resulted in his arrest for domestic assault and a 15-game suspension handed down by Major League Baseball late Friday afternoon.

"I'm glad that I can move forward now,'' said Wright. "Me and my wife are still going to continue our counseling, and we're going to try to move forward and move on from this, serve the suspension and get ready to play baseball. It's definitely something that I did to myself, but once the suspension starts, I'm going to keep working (to get ready) for the season and go from there.

"MLB did a great job with the investigation, (and the suspension) is what they handed down. For me, I just want to move on and get past this. ... Me and my wife are still going through counseling. That's the first priority for me in life, is just getting that back on track. We're in a good spot right now, so it's nice to get the discipline and have everything -- not so much done, because I still have to serve the suspension -- but now I can just move forward.''

Wright has also agreed to speak to others on the issue of domestic violence and make a financial contribution to an organization in Boston that helps victims of abuse.

"Going through this is unfortunate," he said, "but if I can help somebody out to prevent something like this going down, then I will,'' he said. "I feel it's something avoidable if you use the (resources). MLB has the domestic abuse hotline, and I refused to use it. I was a little too prideful. So right now, if I can help somebody else out to avoid this, I will.''

Under the terms of the suspension, Wright's penalty will be served when he's placed on the active roster. During the 15 games, Wright cannot be with the major league team, and will likely be stationed in Florida as part of the team's extended spring training program. In the final six days, he would be eligible to pitch for a minor league affiliate as a means of getting ready to return to the big leagues.

Wright anticipates that he'll be ready to be on the active roster and have the suspension begin by Opening Day. He underwent major knee surgery last summer and has been rehabbing the injury this spring. He's yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game.