Olivera out until Aug. 1 after domestic violence incident brings on suspension
ATLANTA (AP) — The Braves’ dismal season took another turn for the worse Thursday when outfielder Hector Olivera agreed to accept a suspension through Aug. 1 for his arrest on domestic violence charges.
The suspension, announced by commissioner Rob Manfred, is without pay and covers 82 games, retroactive to April 30.
Olivera was arrested April 13 at a hotel outside Washington, D.C., charged with assault and battery of a woman and he was immediately placed on leave.
Agreeing with the police report filed in Arlington, Virginia, Manfred’s office finished an investigation that concluded Olivera was responsible for visible bruises on the woman’s body. A police spokeswoman said at the time that Olivera and the woman were acquainted.
Losing the 31-year-old Olivera was a big blow to the Braves, who have the second-worst record in the majors and rank last in homers, RBIs and runs scored. He was the central player acquired in a threeteam deal last July 30 that sent starting pitcher Alex Wood and top prospect Jose Peraza to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Olivera will lose 82/183rds of his $4 million salary this season, which comes to $1,792,350.
He agreed to a $62.5 million, six-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in May last year, then was traded to Atlanta on July 30 as part at a 13-player deal involving Miami. He is owed $28.5 million from 2017-20.
Manfred’s office said that Olivera will be allowed to participate in extended spring training activities during the suspension, followed by a rehab assignment beginning no sooner than July 15.
Olivera is the third player penalized under Major League Baseball’s new domestic violence policy. Like Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman and Colorado shortstop Jose Reyes, Olivera agreed not to appeal his suspension.
A statement from Manfred’s office said players suspended under baseball’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child battery must participate “in a confidential and comprehensive evaluation and treatment program supervised by the joint policy board.”
The Braves said in a statement that they fully support the decision, adding they “will have no further comment on the matter at this time.”
In their first season last year under front office executives John Hart and John Coppolella, the Braves projected Olivera as their power-hitting third baseman of the future.
Olivera, a Cuban defector, made his major league debut Sept. 1 and hit .253 with two homers and 11 RBIs in 24 games. Atlanta moved him to left field in spring training. In six games, he hit .211 with no homers and two RBIs.