Pitcher catches further jail time

An attorney for former All-Star Oakland A’s pitcher and reality television spouse Matt Keough said Friday the star is committed to getting treatment for problems with alcohol after an Orange County judge sentenced him to 180 days in jail for alcohol-related probation violations Friday.

“He’s getting well, and we’re getting him the help that he needs,” attorney Joseph McGinley said Friday. “And Matt is committed to getting well.”

Keough, who frequently appears on the cable television reality series “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” was arrested at a Newport Beach hotel bar in December for violating the terms of his probation for a 2005 conviction for driving under the influence.

Newport Beach police officers found Keough, 52, drinking at the Fashion Island Marriott hotel in December after concerned hotel staff called authorities.

Keough is forbidden from drinking under the terms of his probation.

Keough had just finished a seven-week stint at Newport Beach jail as a trustee for another alcohol-related probation violation.

During his stay, Keough performed routine maintenance tasks such as washing patrol cars, Newport Beach Police Sgt. Evan Sailor said. Keough finished his term as a trustee Dec. 12, Sailor said.

Keough, was ineligible for bail after his latest arrest and spent Christmas and New Year’s in an Orange County jail cell, McGinley said.

His family hopes to get him in an alcohol treatment program after his release, he said.

“He had a misstep, and the judge decided to give him the time,” McGinley said. “I really believe Matt is committed to getting well now, and we’re going to do all that we can.”

The former All-Star pleaded guilty in 2005 to felony DUI charges after his sport utility vehicle crashed into another car at traffic light in Rancho Santa Margarita, causing the other car to hit a pedestrian who was crossing the street. Keough also pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of the accident, according to court records.

Keough said publicly in 2006 he voluntarily checked himself into treatment at the Betty Ford Clinic for about a month and later attended an outpatient treatment program at Sober Living by the Sea in Newport Beach for about five months. He continued to attend daily Sober Living meetings in Newport Beach after he finished the program.

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at brianna.bailey@latimes.com.