FBI opens investigation into Tejada’s statements

Miguel Tejada is under FBI scrutiny, officials said Thursday after opening a preliminary investigation into whether the former American League MVP lied when he told federal authorities he never took steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.

The inquiry amounts to an initial look at facts surrounding the case. It does not mean charges will be brought against the Houston Astros shortstop.

“The Justice Department has referred the Miguel Tejada matter to the FBI, and a preliminary inquiry will be conducted,” FBI spokesman Richard Kolko said Thursday.

A lawyer for Roger Clemens’ accuser was told by a congressional committee staff member that his client was unlikely to be granted immunity for his deposition and testimony.

Brian McNamee, the former personal trainer who accused Clemens of using performance-enhancing drugs, was a central part of last month’s Mitchell Report on drugs in baseball.

Earl Ward, McNamee’s lawyer, said he spoke Thursday with Michael Gordon, a committee staffer.

“I told them that we would still like immunity,” Ward said. “They said that rarely happens. And I said, ‘Look, it’s important that Brian be there, Brian be heard.’ That if you don’t grant immunity, then you need to work out a solution that would allow him to testify.”

First baseman Mark Teixeira agreed to a $12.5-million, one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves. . . . Relief pitcher Brad Lidge avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $6.35-million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. . . . Chicago White Sox third baseman Joe Crede agreed to a one-year, $5.1-million contract. . . . Reliever Huston Street and the Oakland Athletics agreed to a $3.3-million, one-year contract. . . . The Braves traded infielder Willy Aybar to Tampa Bay in a three-player trade that brought left-hander Jeff Ridgway to Atlanta.