Atlanta Braves outfielder Hector Olivera was suspended for 82 games on Thursday by Major League Baseball after violating its domestic violence policy.
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The suspension is retroactive to April which means that Olivera isn’t eligible to return until August 1st. Olivera has agreed not to appeal the suspension.
Major League Baseball has weighed in for presumably the final time on the Hector Olivera situation: His indefinite suspension for alleged domestic violence now has an official finish line of August 1, which effectively amounts to 82 games. Savage says Olivera and the woman are acquainted.
Olivera became the third major leaguer Manfred suspended under broad powers granted him by the policy, which went into effect this winter.
Baseball’s previous suspensions under its domestic violence policy included 30 games for New York Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman and 51 games for Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes at the start of the 2016 season.
The Atlanta Braves released a statement shortly after MLB’s announcement saying they “fully support” the decision and would have no further comment.
Losing the 31-year-old Olivera was a big blow to the Braves, who have the second-worst record in the majors and rank last in homers, RBIs and runs scored.
He is allowed to participate in extended Spring Training activities during the suspension and can begin a rehabilitation assignment on or after July 15.
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For the Braves, and Olivera, it brings closure to the matter for on field purposes. 211 with four hits and two RBI across his six appearances. The Braves still owe the Cuban defector almost $30 million for the next four years under the deal he signed with Los Angeles.
