DAVIE, Fla. -- Former major leaguer Jim Leyritz was arrested Thursday in South Florida on charges of domestic battery against his ex-wife, just two months before his trial on a DUI manslaughter charge was set to begin.

Leyritz, 45, was arrested at his home in Davie, a Fort Lauderdale suburb, a police report said. He was being held in the Broward County Jail.

Leyritz's ex-wife, Karrie, gave conflicting reports of what happened, according to a police officer who responded to a domestic disturbance at the house. She first told police they were arguing over child support when he struck her twice in the face and pushed her to the ground for writing a check without his permission. She later said her ex-husband dragged her out of bed and pushed her against the wall.

He told police she was drunk and hurt herself to get back at him for trying to evict her from the house they share.

The couple has three children who were sleeping when officers arrived, the report said.

Leyritz's attorney, J. David Bogenschutz, did not immediately return a message.

Leyritz is scheduled to go on trial on the manslaughter charge Sept. 14. Police have said Leyritz was drunk when he caused a fatal car crash in December 2007.

Leyritz played for six teams in 11 seasons. During a stint with the New York Yankees, he hit a memorable home run in the 1996 World Series to help the Yankees win Game 4 against the Atlanta Braves.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press