MLB Suspends Steven Wright 15 Games For Violating Domestic Violence Policy

Red Sox pitcher Steven Wright has been suspended 15 games without pay for violating the league’s domestic violence policy, according to a report from NBC Sports Boston and later announced by MLB. The suspension stems from an incident in December, when Wright was arrested in Williamson County, Tenn. and charged with domestic assault.

Commissioner Rob Manfred, in a statement, was vague about what Wright actually did to violate the policy, only noting that Wright “takes full responsibility for his actions.” From the statement:

While it is clear that Mr. Wright regrets what transpired that evening, takes full responsibility for his actions, and has committed himself to the treatment and counseling components of the Policy, I have concluded that Mr. Wright’s conduct on December 8th violated the Policy and warrants discipline.

After the arrest, Wright’s lawyer released a statement saying that the pitcher and his wife got in a “verbal argument,” but that “he did not raise his hand at anyone during the incident, and the situation was purely emotional.” Before Wright was due to appear in court, his case was retired, and it will be dismissed if Wright avoids committing any offenses for the following 12 months. The 15 games Wright received from MLB matches the suspension for Mets closer Jeurys Familia, who was arrested but not charged for domestic violence, at the beginning of the 2017 season.

Wright may begin the season on the disabled list, as he’s coming back from right knee surgery. If that’s the case, the suspension will begin when he’s activated.