The FBI has opened a preliminary investigation into whether All-Star Miguel Tejada lied to federal authorities when he denied taking steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs, The Associated Press has learned. The inquiry, in response to a congressional request, amounts to an initial look at facts surrounding the case. It does not mean charges will be brought against the Houston Astros shortstop, who in 2002 was the American League's Most Valuable Player. Investigators with the FBI's field office in Washington will handle the inquiry, according to an FBI official who spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity because the case is ongoing. It is unclear how long initial fact-finding will take. At issue are comments Tejada gave to House committee investigators in August 2005 when he was playing with the Baltimore Orioles. He denied during the interview that he used illegal performance-enhancing drugs or knew of other players using or talking about steroids.