Rockies P. Astacio Avoids Prison

Colorado right-hander Pedro Astacio, who led the Rockies in virtually every pitching category last season, pleaded guilty to an assault charge but will avoid jail if he stays out of trouble for two years.

Astacio, 30, was given a two-year deferred judgment after pleaded guilty Thursday to a misdemeanor charge of third-degree assault involving domestic violence. He was ordered to undergo domestic violence counseling and treatment.

If Astacio complies with the requirements and does not break any laws in the next two years, the conviction will be erased from public record. He will be supervised by probation officers until 2002.

Astacio was arrested in August after being accused of punching his estranged wife during an argument at their suburban home.

Acquired in a 1997 trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Astacio was Colorado's top pitcher last year, going 17-11 with a 5.04 ERA. He also pitched a team-leading 232 innings and was third in the National League with 210 strikeouts.

©2000 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed