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Washington Nationals infielder Starlin Castro was placed on administrative leave Friday by Major League Baseball under its policy on domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
The leave was imposed under policy adopted by the MLB and the players’ union in 2015 and may be the first step leading to a longer suspension. Administrative leave – during which a player is paid but cannot play – has been extended for players under policy in the past.
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Nationals manager Dave Martinez said he learned of the situation last night.
“What can I tell you about myself and this organization, as you know, we do not tolerate any form of domestic violence,” Martinez said. “For my part, I think it’s awful.
Washington faces San Diego this weekend in the first series of the All-Star Break.
The 31-year-old infielder was restricted on June 16 due to what Martinez then called “family matters”. He was reinstated two days later and pinched in a game that night against the New York Mets.
“It’s a whole different situation,” Martinez said. “If I had known this a month ago, we would have had a different conversation. I can tell you.
Castro is hitting .283 with three homers and 38 RBIs in 87 games so far this season. He is in his second season with the Nationals after stints with the Cubs, Yankees and Marlins.
The Nationals reinstated infielder Jordy Mercer from the 10-day injured roster and he was in the lineup at third against the Padres.
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“Obviously this is worrying news, but we can’t let that deter what we’re trying to do and what we’re trying to accomplish, and that’s winning another championship,” said Martinez, who spoke to Castro’s team. today. “We have to stay positive.”
Also on Friday, the Nationals agreed to the terms of a Major League contract with receiver René Rivera. Rivera, 37, hit 0.236 (13 for 55) with two homers and nine RBIs in 21 games with the Cleveland Indians this season.
Washington receivers Yan Gomes (oblique strain) and Alex Avila (bilateral calf strain) are on the 10-day injured list.
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