Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman is sued for $18 million

Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman has been sued for $18 million by a Cuban American man who blames the player for his imprisonment on the communist island.

The lawsuit, filed last week in Miami federal court, claims that Chapman falsely accused Danilo Curbelo Garcia of involvement in human trafficking, leading to his 2008 arrest and conviction in Cuba. Curbelo Garcia is serving a 10-year sentence.

Chapman defected from Cuba in 2009 in the Netherlands and was signed by the Reds to a six-year, $30.25-million contract. The lawsuit claims Chapman accused Curbelo Garcia to win favor with the Cuban government so he could rejoin its national baseball team and eventually travel overseas to stage his escape.

“His decision to leave the country led to his methodical subterfuge, which centered on demonstrating his loyalty to the state, which he accomplished by becoming an informant … and falsely reporting and testifying against Curbelo Garcia,” the lawsuit says.

It has been a tough week for Chapman. He was arrested and later released on Monday in Cincinnati for allegedly driving 93 mph and having a suspended license.

Chapman has not allowed an earned run in 23.1 innings with the Reds this season, striking out 41 batters. He is 3-0 with two saves.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Aroldis Chapman is sued for $18 million