Blue Jays: MLB extends Osuna’s leave following arrest
Major League Baseball has extended the timeline for making a decision regarding any discipline for Blue Jays pitcher Roberto Osuna, stemming from his arrest in Toronto for alleged assault. An industry source confirmed the decision was made in order to finish the information gathering process.
Osuna has been on mandatory administrative leave since his arrest by Toronto police on May 8. The initial leave can run up to a week under the agreement between the commissioner’s office and MLB Players Association, but may be extended if further time is required.
The original administrative leave was set to expire on Tuesday, but has been extended to May 21. Administrative leave is considered an absence from the player’s team, with a roster spot being filled. The player continues to receive his regular pay and credit for major-league service time.
Harsher penalties for cases involving allegations of domestic violence were agreed to between MLB and the union in August 2015, and have been handed out in seven previous incidents.
The punishment has ranged from zero games for Twins third baseman Miguel Sano this year, to 82 games for Braves outfielder Hector Olivares during the 2016 season.
Other players who have been suspended under provisions of the agreement and upon further review by the commissioner’s office: shortstop Jose Reyes (51 games), reliever Aroldis Chapman (30 games) reliever Jeurys Familia (15 games), catcher Derek Norris (final month of the 2017 season) and pitcher Steven Wright (15 games this season, after starting the year on the disabled list).
Osuna’s first court date has been set for June 18. MLB’s agreement allows for punishment even if a case doesn’t go to trial.