Braves OF Marcell Ozuna receives retroactive 20-game suspension for violating MLB domestic violence policy

MLB announced on Monday that Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna has been disciplined for violating the MLB-MLBPA Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.

Ozuna has been given a 20-game suspension, which is retroactive to Sept. 10, the date he was placed on administrative leave. That means he's already served his entire suspension and will not have to miss any regular season games in 2022 due to this disciplinary action.

Ozuna was arrested in May on aggravated assault and family violence charges. According to the police report, officers heard screaming when they arrived and found Ozuna “grabbing the victim by the neck and throwing her against the wall” when they entered the home. Additionally, police said that Ozuna “struck the victim with his arm which has a cast from a previous injury,” and also threatened to kill his wife. Ozuna was in a cast after breaking his fingers while sliding into third base.

Two days before MLB placed him on administrative leave, Ozuna entered into a diversion program that could result in the charges against him being dropped. He was placed on six months of supervision, and instructed to undergo a 24-week family violence intervention program and complete at least 200 hours of community service. He also had to attend an anger management course and undergo a psychological evaluation. It's not known if Ozuna completed the diversion program.

The Braves signed Ozuna to a four-year, $65 million contract before the 2021 season. It's unclear what role he'll have in Atlanta going forward.