Rockies minor league pitchers Michael Mason and Jesse Meaux arrested

Two minor league pitchers in the Colorado Rockies farm system were arrested Friday morning and charged with first degree rape and first degree sex offense.

Left-hander Michael Mason and right-hander Jesse Meaux, minor league pitchers for the Asheville Tourists, were arrested Friday morning in connection with the alleged assault of a woman in their apartment last Saturday evening, according to MinorLeagueBaseball.com and the Asheville Citizen-Times. Meaux was free on $100,000 bond this afternoon, while Mason remains held in the Buncombe County Jail at last report.

Both players have been suspended pending further investigation and legal proceedings.The Rockies organization released a statement to the press:

"The Colorado Rockies and their affiliate, the Asheville Tourists, are aware of the arrests and the very serious allegations made against two players, Michael Mason and Jesse Meaux. Each organization is shocked and deeply concerned about the allegations. At this time, the players have been suspended as the investigation and legal process continue.

"We are working with the authorities investigating the circumstances and issues surrounding the events and are awaiting further details and findings. Given that this is an ongoing legal investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment or speculate any further."

Michael Mason is a 23-year-old left-handed pitcher drafted in the 24th round in 2012 from Marshall University. Meaux is also 23 (he turns 24 next week), a right-hander drafted in the 19th round in 2011 from the University of California-Santa Barbara. Meaux had been on the disabled list since late May due to a shoulder injury.