MLB needs more time to investigate Hector Olivera’s domestic incident

(Arlington County, Va., Police Department via AP) Major League Baseball needs more time to investigate an alleged domestic-violence incident involving Atlanta Braves outfielder Hector Olivera. The league and Players Union agreed to extend Olivera’s paid leave by two weeks as MLB continues to look into the matter, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.

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Olivera was arrested April 13 after allegedly assaulting a woman in a hotel room. Olivera was taken into policy custody that night, and was eventually charged with misdemeanor assault and battery.

Due to MLB’s new domestic-violence policy, Olivera was immediately placed on paid leave for seven days while the league looked into the incident. That leave was set to expire Wednesday, but the league and Players Union agreed to extend it in order to give MLB more time to gather facts.

The initial seven-day administrative leave is part of the new policy. Any player who is involved in a domestic incident will be placed on leave for seven days while the league investigates the matter. There is language in the policy that allows for extensions, and that’s exactly what happened in Olivera’s case.

Olivera is now the fourth player to be investigated under the new policy. The only player to receive a suspension thus far has been New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman. Chapman was suspended for 30 games after he was involved at a domestic dispute at his house during the offseason. Chapman was not charged by police.

Commissioner Rob Manfred has still not made a ruling regarding Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes. Reyes was charged after allegedly assaulting his wife in a hotel room, but the charges were dropped after she refused to cooperate with prosecutors.

Reyes was placed on administrative leave until his legal proceedings had finished, but Manfred has yet to make a decision regarding a suspension for Reyes. Prior to the charges being dropped, it was expected Reyes would receive a lengthy suspension.

Olivera’s case falls into a similar category. Since he was charged, Olivera could be looking at a huge suspension depending on MLB’s findings. Even if charges are dropped against Olivera, Manfred still has the power to issue a suspension.

Both Olivera and Reyes’ cases highlight one of the issues with the new domestic-violence policy, though. The initial seven-day administrative leave period is not enough time for MLB to accurately gather facts on these cases. While fans want the league to act on a serious issue quickly, it’s also important that MLB takes the time it needs to accurately make a ruling.

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Thus far, Manfred has required months, not weeks, before issuing punishments. That won’t be a problem moving forward as long as the league and the Players Union continue to work together to extend leave. With an issue as serious as domestic-violence, the league is better off being accurate rather than being quick.

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