Jean Machi arrested following release from Cubs organization

In less than 48 hours Jean Machi went from one step away from the major leagues to in the company of the police.

Machi, who had been pitching for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs as recently as Tuesday, was arrested for public intoxication and urinating in public in Des Moines on early Thursday morning. According to the Des Moines Register, Machi was seen outside the Stuffed Olive restaurant urinating on an employee's car. When asked to stop by the employee, Machi challenged the employee to a fight. Machi denied urinating on the car when questioned by police.

The Register also notes that an Iowa Cubs spokesperson clarified that the 34-year-old right-hander was released prior to his arrest. Machi had a 3.68 ERA over 29 1/3 innings with 26 strikeouts and nine walks with Iowa.

Machi was an effective reliever for the San Francisco Giants in 2013 and 2014, helping the team win the World Series in 2014. He pitched for the Giants and the Boston Red Sox last season.