MLB announces next step in Marcell Ozuna’s administrative leave

MLB announced they are extending Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna’s administrative leave through the playoffs.

Ozuna has been away from the team since he was investigated on domestic violence charges in late May. On Sept. 9, the Braves outfielder entered a plea deal to get those charges dropped, but in doing so will enter a diversion program that will last three-to-six months. MLB is rightly waiting for Ozuna to complete said program and get the charges dropped.

A reasonable expectation would be for Ozuna to rejoin the Braves — should they allow him to do so — around spring training. This is all under the assumption that he has made necessary changes in his life, and completed his program.

A player’s administrative leave can only be extended through a joint agreement from MLB and MLBPA.

Braves: Will Marcell Ozuna be on the roster next season?

The allegations against Ozuna were heinous at the time, and have since been clarified. Responding officers saw Ozuna strangling his wife when they arrived. He also reportedly threw her against the wall and hit her with his cast.

Ozuna will take an anger management course, as well as classes aimed at teaching offenders the necessary steps to de-escalate a domestic situation without violence. At this point, we’re unaware if Ozuna will be able to get another job in baseball once he is reinstated, let alone with the Braves.