Domingo German, one of the Yankees’ best starting pitchers for much of 2019, was suspended for 81 games under baseball’s domestic violence policy, Major League Baseball announced Thursday.
German was placed on administrative leave by M.L.B. on Sept. 19 as the league conducted an investigation, and he did not play for the rest of the season or in the postseason as the Yankees advanced to the American League Championship Series. German’s suspension includes the 18 games he missed last year, so he will miss 63 games in 2020.
“Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. German violated our policy and that discipline is appropriate,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
The suspension stems from an incident in September involving German, 27, and his girlfriend, with whom he has at least one child at his residence in Yonkers, according to a person familiar with the case. No criminal charges were filed against German, who has agreed not to appeal the suspension, according to M.L.B.’s statement.
In a statement, the Yankees said they supported the investigative process and the disciplinary action taken by M.L.B.
“We are encouraged by Domingo’s acceptance of his discipline,” the statement said, “and we sincerely hope this indicates a commitment to making a meaningful and positive change in his personal conduct.”
German was having the best year of his career before being placed on administrative leave, compiling an 18-4 record and a 4.03 earned run average through a career-high 143 innings.