Starlin Castro has played his last game with Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals had been waiting for clarity on Starlin Castro. He had been placed on administrative leave while Major League Baseball investigated him for violating their domestic violence policy. With multiple investigations ongoing, it was possible that Castro could be on leave for some time.

Instead, the Nationals have that answer they had been waiting for. Castro has been suspended for 30 games without pay and fined an undisclosed amount.

Starlin Castro has played last game with Washington Nationals

In theory, Castro would be back for the final few weeks of the season. By that time, it would be too late for him to have any impact upon the Nationals’ fortunate; they have already begun the fire sale and have torched the roster with the hope of building for the future. Castro would have been a trade chip, but he ruined his market with his behavoir.

Instead, he has already played his last game with the Nationals. General manager Mike Rizzo took a tough stance regarding their third baseman, saying that such actions were unacceptable while touting the team’s stance when it comes to domestic violence. He also blamed himself for Castro being on the roster, saying that he should have done a better job of vetting him prior to offering a contract.

The Nationals are backing up their tough talk from two weeks ago. They are reportedly set to release Castro the moment his suspension is over, removing him from the roster entirely. Although he had been a solid contributor during his time in the majors, there is no place for those actions in the game.

This action also sends a message to the rest of the league. At a time when Major League Baseball has dealt with numerous reports of rampant sexual assault and has had high profile domestic violence cases tarnish the sport, the Nationals have drawn a line in the sand. They have said that those actions, and those who commit them, do not have a place in their organization. It is time that other teams take the same stance.

Starlin Castro has played his last game for the Washington Nationals. He has been suspended for 30 games and will be released what that punishment ends.