The New York Yankees face many challenges in a shortened season caused by the coronavirus. Before all of this started, the Yankees knew that Domingo German would not be available for the first 63 games of the season due to an MLB imposed suspension due to breaking the major league domestic violence clause.
Domingo German was involved in an altercation with his wife, where in front of witnesses, he allegedly slapped his wife during a dinner, the actual altercation was not made known publically by MLB, however, upon the start of the investigation German was put on unpaid administrative leave. German up to that point in the 2019 season, had pitched to an 18-4 record with an ERA of 4.03. His shortened season most likely caused him to come short of a possible 20 game winning season.
The New York Yankees winning season went on to win 103 games without German and onto a postseason where they came one game short of reaching a World Series contest. Even though a police report was never filed, MLB found the accusations to be credible. Commissioner Rob Manfred, then after a lengthy investigation, issued an 81-game suspension, which is reportedly is one of the most severe punishments issued by MLB.
With a shortened 2020 baseball season many New York Yankee fans are wondering if it will lessen German’s suspension. The answer is no it won’t. When the season finally starts he will begin the remaining 63 game suspension that is presently left on his imposed suspension. Considering a regular MLB season will most likely be between 90 and 100 games, German will likely not have much of an impact on the Yankee season, however he will be available if the Yankees get to the postseason, which is expected.
With his limited impact on the season, he will be allowed a mini-spring training-like work out to get in shape for what season he has, and that will not be counted against his suspended games. Upon issuing the punishment Manfred said:
“Having reviewed all of the available evidence,” commissioner Rob Manfred said Thursday, “I have concluded that Mr. German violated our Policy and that discipline is appropriate.”
According to the MLB, German did not appeal the punishment … and had agreed to make a contribution to “Sanctuary for Families” — a New York-area charity helping victims of domestic violence — in addition to serving the ban.
As it appears now German will be available to the New York Yankees sometime in August or early September according to how long the season is delayed. MLB also made it clear that if the season was canceled that German’s suspension would not carry over to the 2021 season, making him available to start for the Yankees at the beginning of that season.