Phillies’ Odubel Herrera arrested in domestic case, put on leave

By Wayne Parry The Associated Press

6 years ago

Philadelphia Phillies' Odubel Herrera bats against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning of ... — Philadelphia Phillies’ Odubel Herrera bats against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 20, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)

This photo provided Tuesday, May 28, 2019, by the Atlantic City Police shows Odubel Herrera. Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Odubel Herrera has been placed on administrative leave by Major League Baseball following his arrest in a domestic violence case at an Atlantic City casino. The commissioner’s office put Herrera on leave Tuesday, a day after his arrest on an assault charge at the Golden Nugget casino. (Atlantic City Police via AP)

Philadelphia Phillies’ Odubel Herrera, right, steals second base past Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Keston Hiura during the second inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, May 14, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Philadelphia Phillies’ Odubel Herrera holds onto his helmet on the swing during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Friday, May 17, 2019, in Philadelphia. Phillies won 5-4. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Phillies’ Odubel Herrera, left, hits a two-run double off Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Junior Guerra during the seventh inning of a baseball game, Monday, May 13, 2019, in Philadelphia. At right is Brewers catcher Yasmani Grandal. Philadelphia won 7-4. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Odúbel Herrera was placed on administrative leave Tuesday by Major League Baseball, a day after his arrest in a domestic violence case at an Atlantic City casino.

Herrera was arrested Monday night on an assault charge at the Golden Nugget Casino.

Police said they were called on a report of a domestic assault and found a 20-year-old woman “with visible signs of injury to her arms and neck,” which they said were caused by Herrera, whom they described as her boyfriend.

The 27-year-old, whose full name is David Odúbel Herrera, was released on a summons pending a municipal court date on June 17.

The NL East-leading Phillies did not play on Memorial Day following a seven-game road trip. The team told Herrera not to report to the club while he’s on leave.

MLB and the players’ association agreed to a domestic violence policy in 2015, giving Commissioner Rob Manfred the right to investigate and impose discipline. If discipline is warranted, a paid leave can be converted to a suspension without pay.

The Phillies issued a statement Tuesday saying they support the joint agreement covering domestic violence.

“This morning we were made aware of an alleged incident involving Odúbel Herrera,” the statement read. “Upon receiving this information, we immediately reported the incident to Major League Baseball, which has informed us that Herrera has been placed on administrative leave.”

The leave can last up to seven days while MLB officials look into the arrest. In several previous MLB investigations, the leave has been extended while the probe continues.

Herrera, an All-Star center fielder in 2016, is hitting .222 with one home run and 16 RBIs in 39 games this season. He missed time in April with a hamstring injury.

Phillies general manager Matt Klentak and manager Gabe Kapler declined comment on specifics, citing MLB rules. They spoke to Herrera to inform him that he was being placed on leave. Klentak said Herrera apologized.

Asked if Herrera apologized for the incident itself or the distraction it caused, Klentak said: “I think maybe all of the above.”

Kapler and his ex-wife started a foundation in the 2000s to support victims of domestic violence in Southern California.

“Domestic violence is unacceptable every time,” Kapler said.

When Atlantic City police officers arrived at the casino at 8:33 p.m., they saw the 20-year-old Philadelphia woman speaking with security officers. She declined medical treatment for her injuries.

Herrera was arrested without incident in his hotel room, police said. It could not immediately be determined if he has hired a lawyer who could comment on his behalf.

Players cited previously under MLB’s domestic violence policy include José Reyes, Aroldis Chapman, Yasiel Puig, Héctor Olivera, Jeurys Familia, Steven Wright, Miguel Sanó and Addison Russell.

Herrera is in the third year of a $30.5 million, five-year contract. He’s making $5 million this season, $7 million next season and $10 million in 2021. The team has club options for 2022 and ‘23.

Herrera had career highs in homers (22) and RBIs (71) last season, but his average dipped to a career-low .255.