Yankees' German suspended

*Photo from mlbtraderumors.com*

   New York Yankees RHP Domingo German has been suspended 81 games for violating MLB's joint domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse policy, the league announced. German was first placed on administrative leave by the MLB on September 19, which is when the suspension was retroactive to. As a result, German will miss the first 63 games of the 2020 season. He is inelegible to participate in Yankees spring training activities, but is eligible to pitch in the postseason should the Yankees make it there. 

   Shortly after MLB placed him on administrative leave, a report revealed that an employee of the MLB commissioner's office witnessed German slapping his girlfriend in public. There is no police report regarding the incident, as it was directly reported to the league office. As part of the suspension, which he didn't appeal, German agreed to make a donation to Sanctuary for Families, a non profit organization in New York that works with domestic violence victims. He will also undergo evaluation and treatment.

   The Yankees said in a statement that "We remain steadfast in our support of Major League Baseball's investigative process and the disciplinary action taken regarding Domingo German. Domestic violence - in any form - is a gravely serious matter that affects every segment of our society. Major League Baseball has taken the lead in our industry to make domestic violence awareness and prevention a priority, and we will continue to back those efforts. We are encouraged by Domingo's acceptance of his discipline, and we sincerely hope this indicates a commitment to making a meaningful and positive change in his personal conduct.As per the basic agreement's joint domestic violence policy, the club will have no further comment on this matter and refer all questions to the office of the commissioner."