Braves’ Marcell Ozuna receives 20-game suspension for domestic violence, but will be eligible for all of 2022

Major League Baseball on Monday announced that Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna was being disciplined under the league policy that governs matters of domestic violence. Here is the league’s statement in full:

Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. announced today that Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna has retroactively received an unpaid suspension of 20 regular season games for violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. The unpaid suspension of Ozuna includes all 20 regular season games served while he was on Administrative Leave between his September 10th placement and the conclusion of the 2021 season.

Commissioner Manfred said: “My office has completed its investigation into the allegations that Marcell Ozuna violated Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.  Having reviewed the totality of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Ozuna violated our Policy and that discipline is appropriate.”

Ozuna, now 31, played just 48 games for the Braves this past season and none past May 25. That was when Ozuna landed on the injured list with broken fingers. Shortly after, he was arrested for aggravated assault and family violence. He remained off the active roster while the case proceeded through the court system was placed on administrative leave in mid-September. At that time, he also agreed to enter a diversion program.

The retroactive nature of the suspension means that Ozuna will be eligible to play immediately upon commencement of the 2022 season.