UPDATE, 4:30 p.m. ET: Cincinnati Reds right-hander Mike Leake will start as scheduled on Thursday, manager Dusty Baker said before tonight's game.  "He's still our guy," Baker said.  Baker and Reds GM Walt Jocketty met with Leake this afternoon to see if he is ready to pitch after being arrested for shoplifiting on Monday.  "There was some consideration as to how he felt," Baker said. "Can he handle the pressure of it?  "Sometimes when there is trouble it is easier to go through it than wait."  UPDATE, 2:45 p.m. ET: Leake could have his record expunged if he is accepted into Cincinnati's diversion program. Leake's attorney, Alex Triantafilou, asked that Leake be considered for the Hamilton County court program for first-time offenders.  A hearing is set for May 18 to determine if he is eligible.  Entering the program admits guilt and costs $200. Leake would likely also perform volunteer work and have to check in with the court monthly.  If all requirements are met, his public record would be wiped clean.  EARLIER: Leake is scheduled to enter a plea to a charge of shoplifting Tuesday afternoon. Leake was arrested Monday at a Cincinnati Macy's department store, accused of stealing six American Rag T-shirts with a retail value of $59.88. He does not have to be present for the hearing.  The first-degree misdemeanor charge of shoplifting carries a maximum of 180 days in jail.  Major League Baseball is not commenting on his arrest.  "As of now, this would be a club issue," said spokesman Patrick Courtney.  Police found $250 in cash, two Visa cards and a MasterCard on Leake as he was being processed, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.  Leake,who is set to make $425,000 this season, is scheduled to start Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Reds manager Dusty Baker has not said whether he would make his next start.  Leake is 2-0 with a 5.40 ERA after three starts this season.  Contributing: Bob Nightengale in Cincinnati  See photos of: Cincinnati Reds  To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor  . For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to  . Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to
Reds pitcher Mike Leake, still starting Thursday, seeks diversion program - Daily Pitch: MLB News, Standings, Schedules & More - USATODAY.com