MLB has suspended Phillies outfielder Odubel Herrera for 85 games for his involvement in a domestic violence situation.
Herrera's suspension is retroactive to June 24, meaning he will be eligible to return for the start of the 2020 season. He will, however be sidelined for any Phillies postseason games.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Herrera will not appeal the suspension.
Herrera was arrested May 27 and charged with simple assault after his girlfriend, Melany Martinez-Angulo, told security at an Atlantic City casino that he had attacked her. Markings and scratches were evident on her neck.
MLB placed Herrera on administrative leave the next day under the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy.
Despite the fact the domestic assault complaint was dropped Wednesday in Atlantic City Municipal Court (Herrera's girlfriend declined to press charges), MLB reserves the right under the CBA to discipline players in domestic violence situations even without a guilty verdict.
Herrera issued a statement through the MLBPA, admitting "inappropriate behavior."
"Today, I accepted a suspension from Major League Baseball resulting from my inappropirate behavior," the statement reads. "I acted in an unacceptable manner and am terribly disappointed in myself. I alone am to blame for my actions.
"I've taken meaningful steps to assure that nothing like this will ever happen again. … I apologize to the Phillies organization, all my teammates and all my fans."
According to the Inquirer, terms of the suspension call for Herrera to participate in "confidential, comprehensive evaluation and treatment program."
In a statement, the Phillies voiced full support for MLB's decision.
"The Phillies fully support the decision by the Commissioner's Office to suspend Odubel Herrera for violating MLB's Joing Domestic Violence Policy. All instances of domestic violence and abuse are abhorrent and unacceptable. … We are encouraged by Odubel's acceptance of his discipline as an indication of his willingness to learn from this and change his behavior appropriately."
Herrera finishes the season with one home run and a .222 batting average in 126 at-bats.