Hector Olivera suspended through Aug. 1 under domestic violence policy
Atlanta Braves outfielder Hector Olivera has been suspended by Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred through Aug. 1, a total of 82 games, under the league’s domestic violence policy.
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Olivera was arrested in April following a domestic dispute at a hotel in Virginia. He was eventually charged with one misdemeanor count of assault and battery.
At that time, Olivera was put on paid administrative leave by the league while Manfred and his team gathered information about Olivera’s case. The league and the Players Association eventually agreed to extend Olivera’s paid leave when it became clear the league needed more time to complete its investigation.
Manfred released the following statement regarding Olivera’s suspension:
“My office has completed its investigation into the allegation that Hector Olivera violated Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy on April 13, 2016. Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Olivera violated the Policy and should be subject to discipline in the form of an unpaid suspension that will expire on Aug. 1. Mr. Olivera has also agreed to make a significant charitable contribution to one or more charitable organizations focused on preventing and treating survivors of domestic violence.”
The suspension, which is backdated to include the games Olivera has already missed, will total 82 games, making it the longest suspension handed out by Manfred under the new policy. Olivera’s suspension is retroactive to April 30. He will not appeal the punishment.
Under the policy, Olivera is allowed to participate in extended spring training while he’s suspended. He will become eligible to begin a rehab assignment July 15.
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Olivera becomes the third player to be suspended under the new policy, joining New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman, who received 30 games, and Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes, who was suspended 52 games.
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Chris Cwik is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik