Atlanta Braves Hector Olivera Has Leave Extended Two Weeks
By David Hill
Yesterday, Major League Baseball announced that it is extending the paid administrative leave of Atlanta Braves left fielder Hector Olivera by two weeks.
Last week, Major League Baseball placed Atlanta Braves left fielder Hector Olivera on paid administrative leave due to his arrest on domestic violence charges. Charged with misdemeanor assault and battery, Olivera was sent away from the team pending an investigation.
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With his leave slated to expire, Commissioner Rob Manfred and Major League Baseball have decided to extend that leave another two weeks. This way, Manfred and the investigative branch of the MLB can continue their look into this incident and determine what future punishment, if any, should be applied.
Sources: MLB, union agree to extend Olivera’s paid administrative leave by two weeks. Domestic-violence policy allows for such an extension.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 19, 2016
As it stands, MLB’s domestic violence policy has already been tested. The cases of Aroldis Chapman and Yasiel Puig have already been handled, but Jose Reyes is still in baseball purgatory despite charges being dropped against him. Depending on what this investigation turns up, it may not be a surprise if the leave is extended once again.
Of course, as criminal charges are not necessary for Manfred to discipline Olivera, the MLB has quite a bit of leeway. After all, Chapman did not face charges, and he was still suspended for thirty days. All Manfred needs is enough proof that something happened, and with his expansive powers, Olivera may find himself facing further punishment.
In the meantime, this also gives the Braves a chance to determine what they should do with Olivera on the field. While it is a sample size, Olivera has posted a putrid .211/.238/.263 batting line, for an OPS+ of 38. Even with his salary, the Braves may be better off sending him to AAA, not only to let him get back in game shape, but to see if he can get on a hot streak and carry that success to the major league level.
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The Atlanta Braves and Hector Olivera is still waiting to see what decision Major League Baseball and Rob Manfred make in his case. Considering how serious of a problem domestic violence is, it is good to see that the MLB is taking their time to make sure this is handled properly.