Domingo German on administrative leave under MLB’s domestic violence policy

Earlier today, Major League Baseball announced that Yankees pitcher Domingo German has been placed on administrative leave under the Joint MLB-MLBPA Domestic Violence policy. Per the announcement, MLB’s Department of Investigations has opened an investigation into the complaint.

Conflicting reports of the incident surfaced in wake of the announcement. According to Bob Klapisch, the incident involved German allegedly slapping his girlfriend in public during the early morning hours of Tuesday. Klapisch says a representative from the Commissioner’s Office reportedly observed the incident. Lindsey Adler, meanwhile, relays that the incident occurred at German’s residence and an MLB official did not directly witness it.

The Yankees released the following statement shortly thereafter:

We fully support all measures being undertaken by the Commissioner’s Office pursuant to the Policy on Domestic Violence. We support this policy which reinforces that domestic violence has no place in our society and cannot be tolerated. We have followed the lead of Major League Baseball and will continue to provide our complete cooperation throughout the investigative process. We reserve any further comment until the investigation reaches its conclusion. All questions pertaining to this matter should be directed to the Office of the Commissioner.

“When you hear the words domestic violence, it stops you in your tracks,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone while meeting with reporters. Boone also indicated that he and Brian Cashman will address the team.

To replace German on the roster, the club called up right-handed pitcher Michael King.

This remains a developing situation. Pinstripe Alley will have more information as it becomes available.