New York Yankees pitcher Domingo German has been given an 81-game suspension for violating the MLB domestic violence policy, commissioner Rob Manfred announced Thursday. German, who had already been placed on administrative leave for the final 18 games of the 2019 season, including nine postseason games, will sit out the first 63 games of the 2020 season. German was put on administrative leave on Sept. 19 while MLB investigated alleged domestic violence involving his girlfriend, with whom he has at least one child.
Because German already sat out the 2019 postseason, he will be eligible for the 2020 postseason, sources told ESPN’s Buster Olney. He is not eligible to compete in spring training games prior to next season, however.
German’s ban is the longest levied by MLB under its domestic violence policy for a player who was not formally charged. Addison Russell of the Chicago Cubs was suspended 40 games spanning the 2018-19 seasons following a series of allegations by his ex-wife.
Former San Diego pitcher Jose Torres was banned 100 games in 2018 following an arrest on domestic violence charges.
German, a 27-year-old right-hander, was the top winner for the American League East champions last season, going 18-4 with a 4.03 ERA in 24 starts and three relief appearances over 143 innings this season.
German had a $577,500 salary but will not be paid for the time he missed after being placed on leave. He is expected to make a similar salary for 2020 but again will not be paid while suspended.