Odubel Herrera suspended for rest of season

Odúbel Herrera has been suspended for the remainder of the 2019 season for violating Major League Baseball¡¯s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.

¡°My office has completed its investigation into the allegations that Od¨²bel Herrera violated Major League Baseball¡¯s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy,¡± Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. ¡°Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Herrera violated the Policy and should be subject to discipline in the form of an unpaid suspension that will cover the remainder of the 2019 season.¡±

The Phillies outfielder had been on administrative leave since May 28, the day after he was arrested on a charge of simple assault. Herrera¡¯s unpaid suspension will be retroactive to June 24, resulting in an 85-game ban. The discipline also specifies that should the Phillies qualify for the postseason, Herrera will not be eligible to participate.

¡°The Phillies fully support the decision by the Commissioner¡¯s Office to suspend Od¨²bel Herrera for violating MLB¡¯s Joint Domestic Violence Policy,¡± the club said in a statement. ¡°All instances of domestic violence and abuse are abhorrent and unacceptable, and we unequivocally support Baseball's collective efforts to prevent domestic abuse. We are encouraged by Od¨²bel¡¯s acceptance of his discipline as an indication of his willingness to learn from this and change his behavior appropriately.¡±

Consistent with the terms of the policy, Herrera will participate in a confidential and comprehensive evaluation and treatment program supervised by the Joint Policy Board. Herrera has agreed not to appeal the discipline.

¡°Today, I accepted a suspension from Major League Baseball resulting from my inappropriate behavior,¡± Herrera said in a statement released by the MLB Players Association. ¡°I acted in an unacceptable manner and am terribly disappointed in myself. I alone am to blame for my actions.

¡°I¡¯ve taken meaningful steps to assure that nothing like this will ever happen again. I have learned from this experience, and I have grown as a person. I apologize to the Phillies¡¯ organization, my teammates, and all my fans. I look forward to rejoining the Phillies once my suspension is served and to continuing to work on being a better partner, teammate, and person.¡±