Major League Baseball reportedly will not suspend Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig for an alleged domestic violence incident involving his sister, per ESPN's Pedro Gomez.
However, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times spoke Tuesday with Dan Halem, MLB's chief legal officer, who denied Puig is in the clear: "The investigation is not finished. The commissioner has not rendered a decision."
Last November, Puig was allegedly involved in a fight with a bouncer at a Miami nightclub. The Associated Press (via USA Today) reported Puig was having an argument with his sister prior to the altercation with the bouncer. Both the bouncer and Puig declined to press charges.
Gomez's report comes on the same day MLB announced it suspended New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman for 30 games after an alleged incident with his girlfriend in October. The league also placed Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes on administrative paid leave while his domestic-abuse trial is ongoing.
The joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child-abuse policy between MLB and the MLB Players Association allows MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred to act somewhat unilaterally when it comes to player discipline. Under the terms of the policy, the commissioner isn't beholden to a minimum or maximum length for a punishment, and criminal charges aren't a prerequisite.
This spring will be somewhat important for Puig—at least as important as spring training can be for any veteran. Shaikin explained on MLB Tonight in early February how the Dodgers are committed to the Cuban star:
Puig played in just 79 games in 2015, boasting a .255/.322/.436 slash line with 11 home runs and 38 runs batted in. His work at the plate was a far cry from the heights of "Puig-mania."
Being unavailable for Opening Day due to a suspension wouldn't get the 25-year-old off on the right foot to start the 2016 campaign, so MLB's final ruling will carry major weight both for him and the Dodgers.
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