Atlanta Braves outfielder/designated hitter Marcell Ozuna has run into trouble with the law again.
According to reports, the 31-year-old Ozuna was arrested early Friday morning by Norcross (Ga.) police “for DUI and Failure to Maintain Lane.” Just a few hours earlier, the Atlanta Braves had recorded a 3-2 win over the New York Mets, their third win over their National League East rivals in the four-game series at Truist Park. Ozuna, however, did not see action in the contest, and hasn’t had an at-bat since an August 14 win at the Miami Marlins.
This season, Ozuna is slashing just .214/.263/.393 in 448 plate appearances over 107 games, leading to an OPS+ of 79.
Friday’s DUI arrest isn’t the first trouble for Marcell Ozuna in an Atlanta Braves uniform
After being arrested for domestic violence last May and missing the end of the regular season after an unpaid suspension of 20 games, Ozuna did not take part in the postseason run that eventually led to the Braves winning the World Series.
With the suspension and a trip to the injured list in late May for fractured fingers, Ozuna played for the Braves in just 48 games last season.
Signed to a four-year, $65 million deal before last season, Ozuna is making $16 million this year and is guaranteed the same amount for the next two seasons, with a $1 million buyout for the 2025 season if the Braves don’t pick up the club option that year.
With the latest law-related issue, Ozuna’s place on the Braves roster has certainly become murkier. The Atlanta outfield was reinforced at the trade deadline with Robbie Grossman coming over from the Detroit Tigers, plus the Braves have also seen the emergence of rookie Michael Harris fill a big need in the field and lineup as well.
While Ozuna has played the most games of anyone for the Braves this season in left field (42), Grossman has played there the last four games, with Eddie Rosario also seeing time there.
We will update this story with more information when it becomes available.
UPDATE: The Braves have issued a statement on the Ozuna arrest.
"“The Atlanta Braves are aware of Marcell Ozuna’s arrest this morning and are still gathering all the facts pertaining to the incident. Our organization takes these matters very seriously and are obviously disappointed by the situation. As this is a legal matter, we will have no further comment until the process is complete.”"