New York Yankees right-hander Domingo German’s breakout season could now be coming to a sudden and disappointing end.
New York Yankees pitcher Domingo German has been placed on administrative leave per MLB’s joint Domestic Violence Policy. Several reporters, including Lindsey Adler of The Athletic, reported the story initially.
Major League Baseball has announced Domingo Germán has been placed in administrative leave under the league's domestic violence policy. pic.twitter.com/qdVijHFQGG
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) September 19, 2019
Per the policy, German will be on leave for at least seven days. MLB may extend his leave at their discretion pending the investigation. Almost immediately after the story broke, the Yankees released the following statement:
Yankees statement on Domingo Germán: pic.twitter.com/oThmtjJqdV
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) September 19, 2019
German, 27, was in the midst of a breakout season for the Yankees. He became the ace of the rotation while Luis Severino recovered from a shoulder injury and James Paxton and Masahiro Tanaka struggled. In 27 games (24 starts) this year, German is 18-4 with a 4.03 ERA.
More recently, German transitioned to a relief role, usually after veteran CC Sabathia started a game. He appeared in Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, allowing one hit in 2.1 scoreless innings.
But none of German’s numbers matter now. The timing is bad with the playoffs around the corner, but domestic violence is a serious offense. Thus, German should stay off the field until MLB’s investigation is complete.
As for the Yankees, expect to see more of Jonathan Loaisiga and Jordan Montgomery in German’s role. Montgomery returned from Tommy John surgery on Sept. 15 and allowed three runs in two innings of relief work. Loaisiga missed three months with shoulder trouble but has posted a 2.45 ERA out of the bullpen this month.
The timing may be rough, but the Yankees and MLB did the right thing in placing Domingo German on leave.
UPDATE:
I’m told the incident involving Domingo German and his girlfriend occurred late Monday night/Tuesday morning in a public setting – he allegedly slapped her during an argument. According to an MLB source, the incident was witnessed by an official from the Commissioner’s office.
— Bob Klapisch (@BobKlap) September 19, 2019
