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The league announced Thursday that Yankees pitcher Domino Germán has been placed on administrative leave under the joint MLB-MLBPA domestic violence policy.
German’s leave is set to last a week, the minimum the policy sets, barring any addition extensions once the case develops further. MLB’s investigation will take a few days and could lead to a season ending suspension for the 27-year old. During this time, no members of the Yankees organization are allowed to contact to speak to Germán.
TMZ Sports reports that the alleged incident occurred after the Yankees returned from their road trip against the Toronto Blue Jays. German allegedly slapped his girlfriend during an argument at teammate C.C. Sabathia’s fundraising event in New York City on September 16th. . A Commissioner’s office official witnessed the attack, reports The New York Times’ Bob Klapisch.
I’m told the incident involving Domingo German and his girlfriend occurred late Monday night/Tuesday morning in a public setting - he allegedly slapped her during an argument. According to an MLB source, the incident was witnessed by an official from the Commissioner’s office.
— Bob Klapisch (@BobKlap) September 19, 2019
Manager Aaron Boone addressing the media said he had heard “whispers” the starter could be placed on administrative leave earlier this week. This is particularly disturbing considering Germán pitched just yesterday, despite higher up MLB officials knowing about this earlier in the week and Boone having an inkling of the scenario. His teammates did not know Germán was placed on leave until hearing the official statement from MLB.
The Yankees have called up right-hander Michael King to take Germán’s spot on the active roster.
More on this case as it develops.