Familia suspended 15 games
Mets All-Star closer violated domestic violence policy.
New York Mets All-Star reliever Jeurys Familia accepted a 15-game suspension under MLB’s domestic violence policy, discipline stemming from an altercation in October.
The suspension announced Wednesday was the fourth and least severe under the policy, which was agreed to in August 2015. Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman was penalized 29 games, Colorado shortstop Jose Reyes 59 days and Atlanta outfielder Hector Olivera 82 games.
Familia was arrested Oct. 31 on a simple assault charge, but prosecutors later dropped the case. Under the domestic violence policy, a player can be disciplined absent a criminal conviction.
Familia is eligible to continue to participate in all spring training activities and exhibition games leading up to the Mets’ opener Monday against Atlanta but must sit out the team’s first 15 games. He can participate in up to six minor league games.
Barring any postponements, Familia would be eligible to return April 20 against Philadelphia and would lose $730,328 of his $7.425 million salary.
“The evidence reviewed by my office does not support a determination that Mr. Familia physically assaulted his wife, or threatened her or others with physical force or harm,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “Nevertheless, I have concluded that Mr. Familia’s overall conduct that night was inappropriate, violated the policy and warrants discipline.”
Familia set a Mets record with 51 saves last season.
Gregory Polanco, projected to be the starting left fielder, will not travel with the team when it heads north for two exhibition games in Montreal. Polanco started experiencing left shoulder discomfort after his spring appearance March 23 and has not played since. However, Polanco did hit .579 in five games with the Dominican Republic team in the World Baseball Classic.
Gold Glove catcher Yadier Molina is entering the final season of a five-year, $75 million extension he signed in 2012. There is a mutual option for 2018, but the team knows
Pirates: Cardinals:
Molina, 34, is likely to walk and become a free agent if he has a season similar to 2016. There have been talks this spring about an extension. “We understand there is a deadline,” GM John Mozeliak said. “I think everyone is going to roll up their sleeves and continue to work at it.”
Ace Corey Kluber was far from sharp in his final spring training outing Tuesday. The right-hander allowed five runs on six hits, including three homers in a 13-12 loss to the Brewers. Kluber had six strikeouts and two walks in five innings. “Right on track where I need to be,” said Kluber, who went 18-9 last season. “Just left a couple of balls elevated. Do that out here and they put a good swing on it, that’s what’s going to happen.” The next time Kluber gets the ball is Monday, when the AL champions start the regular season at Texas.
Indians: Mariners:
Ace Felix Hernandez can’t wait for Monday’s season opener at Houston. It will be the righthander’s 10th opening-day start. “It’s still special,” he said Tuesday from spring training in Peoria, Ariz. “I’m ready to go. I need to get out of here. My allergies are killing me in Arizona.” Tuesday’s Games
Artemi Panarin and Richard Panik started a four-goal first period for Chicago, and the Blackhawks moved closer to locking up the Central Division title. Marcus Kruger and Marian Hossa also scored in the first period as the Blackhawks moved nine points clear of second-place Minnesota. Patrick Kane had two assists to move past Sidney Crosby and into second in the NHL scoring race. Chicago beat the Penguins in regulation on the road for the first time since 1997.
Los Angeles’ Jarome Iginla scored his 100th game-winning goal and got an assist in a win over his former team.
Marcus Johansson and Evgeny Kuznetsov each had a goal and an assist for Washington. Late
Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to Carolina ended the thirdlongest playoff run in NHL history. It ended an era that began in 1991 and lasted 25 seasons.“I think everyone in Detroit should be proud of it,”said former captain Steve Yzerman. Detroit won the Stanley Cup four times since last missing the playoffs in 1990.