Washington Nationals: Starlin Castro facing domestic violence investigation
Despite awareness and the stiff penalties faced for violating the league’s domestic violence policy, this continues to be a problem. Both Trevor Bauer and Marcell Ozuna are being investigated by MLB for their potential violations, having been placed on administrative leave. Washington Nationals‘ infielder Starlin Castro is now a part of that group.
On Friday, it was announced that Castro would be placed on leave while the league investigates allegations of abuse against him.
NEWS: Nationals infielder Starlin Castro is going on administrative leave later today as MLB looks into an alleged domestic violence incident. https://t.co/FZbpXD5RRd
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) July 16, 2021
Washington Nationals Starlin Castro latest to violate domestic abuse policy
It is worth noting that MLB does not consider being placed on administrative leave as a punishment. Players still collect their salary and earn service time. It is more of a matter of removing a potential distraction while the league investigates the incident.
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From a purely baseball standpoint, Castro will be difficult to replace in the Nationals lineup. His .283/.333/.375 batting line, with 20 doubles and three homers, may not be Earth shattering, but he has been a solid, major league average bat in the lineup. He has been a steady presence, both with the bat and glove.
The problem is that the Nationals do not have a great option to replace him. The best choice, Josh Harrison, is playing second base. Alcides Escobar is hitting well right now, but does not have anything close to a track record of success offensively. Jordy Mercer has been activated from the Injured List and could take over, but also does not have that type of track record. Carter Kieboom could be an option, but he has yet to show that he can handle major league pitching at all.
However, the on-field issues will work themselves out. What is important is that the allegations against Castro are fully investigated, and if he did indeed commit those acts, that he is appropriately punished. That will take time, and until that point, Castro will not see the diamond.
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Washington Nationals infielder Starlin Castro has been placed on administrative leave due to an investigation into a domestic violence complaint. The players just do not learn.