Braves’ Olivera Charged With Assault, Battery
Braves outfielder Hector Olivera was arrested following an alleged domestic dispute at a hotel in Arlington, Va., early Wednesday, police confirmed.
Olivera, 31—who got a $62.5 million deal with the Dodgers after defecting from Cuba and was later traded to the Braves—was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery. His bond was set at $10,000, which Olivera posted. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Olivera was en route to Miami, where he lives.
The Braves are in Washington to play the Nationals. According to The Associated Press, Arlington Police spokeswoman Ashley Savage said police were called just before 7 a.m. Wednesday to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Pentagon City. Savage says a woman with visible bruises reported that Olivera had assaulted her.
An MLB spokesman said Olivera has been placed on administrative leave and the commissioner’s office has begun an investigation.
In a statement, the Braves said they were “extremely troubled and disappointed” to learn of the allegations. “We will continue to gather information and will address this matter appropriately as we determine the facts.”
Infielder Daniel Castro was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to replace Olivera on the roster.
Even if Olivera is not charged, he could face punishment from Major League Baseball under its new Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Commissioner Rob Manfred earlier this season suspended Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman for 30 games after his alleged involvement in a domestic dispute, although Broward County (Fla.) prosecutors did not charge him. Manfred also placed Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes—also being investigated under the new policy—on paid leave as Reyes’ domestic violence charge was being adjudicated. Reyes was ultimately not charged by Hawaii prosecutors, but is still awaiting a final decision from MLB on when he can return to the field.
Yasiel Puig of the Dodgers was not suspended under the new policy following his alleged involvement in a fight in a bar in Miami in November.
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