Today, the MLB announced that Atlanta Braves outfielder Hector Olivera has been suspended for 82 games, backdated from April 30.
The MLB investigation into Hector Olivera has ended, and they have reached a decision for Atlanta Braves outfielder Hector Olivera. In that decision, they have suspended the Atlanta Braves outfielder for 82 games backdated to April 30th for violating MLB’s domestic violence policy. Olivera, probably smartly, elected not to appeal the suspension.
Braves OF Hector Olivera suspended without pay through 8/1 for violating Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
— MLB (@MLB) May 26, 2016
Olivera was charged with one count of misdemeanor assault and battery at a Virginia hotel while the Braves were visiting the Washington Nationals. He was arrested, but never charged in the matter. Olivera had been placed on administrative leave since the incident and had that leave extended earlier this month.
#Braves statement regarding Hector Olivera: pic.twitter.com/CdxraNqBl1
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 26, 2016
Olivera signed a six year deal worth $65 million last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers after leaving Cuba. Olivera was sent to the Braves in the massive three team deal that included the Marlins last July.
Olivera has played in just six games this year for Atlanta, hitting .211 with six RBI.
For the Braves, and Olivera, it brings closure to the matter for on field purposes. The Braves were rumored to be trying to move Olivera in a trade, and now that he has a date that he will come back, it may make the move more plausible, despite his salary.
Olivera is due back in court July 11.
Next: Can the Mets keep Yoenis Cespedes long term?
This is the third domestic violence suspension under MLB’s new policy. Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman was suspended for the first 30 games this season for an incident in Florida and Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes is suspended until May 31 for an alleged domestic violence incident in Hawaii this off-season.