Major League Baseball has announced that New York Yankees right-handed pitcher Domingo German is being placed on administrative leave under the MLB-MLBPA domestic violence policy. The leave lasts up to seven days while an investigation is held and can be extended if needed.
German is 18-4 with a 4.03 ERA for the Yankees this season.
https://twitter.com/lindseyadler/status/1174739317551521792
Lindsey Adler of the Athletic also reports that there is no police report on file for the incident. It was reported directly to MLB.
The Yankees released the following statement about the situation:
“We fully support all measures being taken by the Commissioner’s Office pursuant to the policy of domestic violence. We support this policy which reinforces that domestic violence has no place in our society and cannot be tolerated. We have followed the lead of Major League Baseball and will continue to provide our complete cooperation throughout the investigation process. We reserve any further comment until the investigation reaches its conclusion. All questions pertaining to this matter should be directed to the Office of the Commissioner.”
Statement from the New York Yankees Regarding Domingo Germán: pic.twitter.com/GjijwWiElB
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 19, 2019
Domestic Violence in MLB
Domingo German becomes the third player investigated by the league for violating the domestic violence policy in 2019.
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Odubel Herrera was suspended for the remainder of the season for an incident that occurred on May 27th. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias was also suspended for 20 games after his incident on May 13th.
Both players had their charges dismissed but were still suspended by MLB. That being said, some sort of suspension seems likely for German.
MLB and the MLBPA came to an agreement on this policy in August of 2015. Since then, 13 players have been investigated. Eleven of those 13 have received suspensions. German brings the total up to 14 with nine coming since the start of 2018.
Tough Break For The Yankees
With German’s future seemingly cloudy for the time being, the Yankees will have to move on without the young right-handed pitcher. German was enjoying a breakout season in which he has notched career-highs of 153 strikeouts and 143 innings pitched. He also leads the league in winning percentage and has a 1.147 WHIP.
The starting rotation has been a big question for the Yankees all season long. Now, they may be heading into October without the man who, at times, was their best starter.
For the time being, the team has signed Michael King to a major league contract. King is the Yankees 19th ranked prospect and was part of the return the team received from the Miami Marlins for Garrett Cooper and Caleb Smith in 2017.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
