MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports that Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes will be suspended at least 60 games by Major League Baseball, under the league’s domestic violence policy.
Heyman adds that 80 games (so about half a season) “may be a fair ballpark estimate” for the suspension:
Jose Reyes should hear his penalty from MLB for domestic abuse soon, and word is that it’ll be at least 60 games and perhaps significantly longer than that.
Eighty games, or about a half a season, may be a fair ballpark estimate, according to some.
While Reyes was not criminally charged for an incident involving his wife in Hawaii, there’s little doubt Reyes will receive at least double the 30-game ban imposed on Aroldis Chapman, who became the first MLB player to receive a ban since MLB installed a specific domestic abuse policy back in August with the union’s approval.
Reyes’ offense has been seen as more serious, as hotel workers at their Maui hotel reported that Reyes’ wife Katherine suffered injuries to her neck, wrist and thigh. Katherine did not cooperate with police, leading to charges being dropped. Nor has she cooperated with MLB.
Commissioner Rob Manfred has authority to impose bans for domestic abuse stemming from the policy done jointly with the players’ union.
Reyes’ ban is expected to be announced in coming days.
Reyes was arrested for domestic abuse in November, for allegedly assaulting his wife in a hotel room in Hawaii on Halloween night.
Chelsea Davis reported Reyes and his wife were arguing in his hotel room when he allegedly grabbed her off of a bed and shoved her. His wife told responding officers he grabbed her throat and shoved her into a sliding glass balcony door. Security called police, and he was arrested for abuse of a family or household member. Reyes’ wife told police she had injuries to her thigh, neck and wrist and was taken to a local hospital.
Reyes has been on paid leave by MLB as they’ve been reviewing the information regarding these allegations, and while he was not criminally charged after his wife wouldn’t cooperate with police, MLB has the power to still suspend him under their domestic violence policy. It appears they will indeed do that, and in lengthy fashion. The NFL has taken much criticism for being light on suspensions relating to domestic violence, so this is a notable, strong move by MLB that will be applauded.
The Rockies acquired Reyes in a trade (headlined by Troy Tulowitzki) with the Toronto Blue Jays last July in a move that was pretty odd for a rebuilding team, given that Reyes is getting up there in age (he’s now 32) and is owed $22 million this year, $22 million in 2017, and has a team option of $22 million for 2018 (which will end up being a $4 million buyout).
And now, the Rockies may not even want Reyes as their starting shortstop. Rookie shortstop Trevor Story stunningly is second (to teammate Nolan Arenado) in the National League with 11 homers. Whatever the case, that’s a situation it appears the Rockies won’t have to figure out for a long while, given this reported suspension length.
[Jon Heyman on Facebook; CBS Sports]
