Major League Baseball has weighed in for presumably the final time on the Hector Olivera situation: His indefinite suspension for alleged domestic violence now has an official finish line of Aug. 1, which effectively amounts to 82 games.
The fact MLB's decision came down before Olivera's case in the Arlington County (Va.) court system is resolved is a little curious but it's in line with how the league has operated in its new domestic violence policy. It also suggests MLB officials expect Olivera's case to be finalized on or before July 11, which is when he is next scheduled to appear in Arlington County District Court on misdemeanor assault charges, stemming from an alleged incident with a woman in April during a Braves' road trip to Washington
While Olivera's case appears headed toward resolution, his future with the Braves is less certain. The fact he remains an unproven commodity and is signed through 2020 (with salaries totaling $32.5 million, including $8.67 million this season), makes him relatively untradeable. Yes, I say that even though the team found a way to trade Melvin (B.J.) Upton (packaging him with one of the team's most valuable assets, closer Craig Kimbrel).
Olivera hit .211 in six games (21 plate appearances) before the alleged assault. He has played only 30 games in the majors, hitting .245. He will be allowed to participate in extended spring training activities during the suspension and becomes eligible for a rehabilitation assignment July 15. But the Braves' plans for him are unclear -- and they had no interest in making them clear Thursday.
The Braves' statement: "The Braves fully support Major League Baseball’s decision regarding Hector Olivera. The Club will have no further comment on the matter at this time.”
But Olivera has a difficult road ahead of him, not merely in proving his worth as a player at the age of 31 but processing the public scrutiny and potential verbal abuse he will be subjected to as a result of all this.
This statement from commissioner Rob Manfred will forever be on his resume: "My office has completed its investigation into the allegation that Hector Olivera violated Major League Baseball’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy on April 13, 2016. Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Olivera violated the Policy and should be subject to discipline in the form of an unpaid suspension..."
The Braves the Dodgers pitcher Alex Wood and prospect Jose Peraza in a three-team trade for Olivera. The odds remain against the Braves looking good in this deal.
- Is WNBA's expectation for success just a dream?
- Falcons bringing in Dwight Freeney for tryout (smart move)
- Teheran has been a master (0.89) but Braves still mess at home (2-18)
- Braves likely won't look too far for their next manager
- NBA more worried about stars, TV ratings, doesn't suspend Green
- How long should Braves wait on move to Albies, Swanson?
- Question about Braves' front office: Who's in charge?
- Hart, Coppolella need to overcome financial mistakes (like Wren)
- Braves' handling of Gonzalez's firing takes clumsy to a new level
- Fredi Gonzalez was fired because Braves needed someone to blame
- Possible vets for Falcons: Freeney, Thurmond, Hardy (not really)
- Do Braves, Falcons, Hawks inspire confidence in future? I rank them
- Poll: Which Atlanta team inspires most, least confidence in future?
- Make that 1-16 for Braves at home (where the heartache is)
- Gonzalez handling turmoil better than most (if you don't count towel rack assault)
- Five thoughts about Ressler, Horford and Hawks moving forward
- Hawks need major change, lack a go-to star
- Hello, Game 4. Goodbye, Hawks' season? History says yes
- When Hawks' season wrap up, Mike Budenholzer may need some help
- Hawks better but Cavaliers are on another level
- There's a kernel of truth to what Charles Barkley says about Hawks
- Rest of series for Hawks is about big picture
- It's about time Coppolella, Hart take ownership of Braves' problems
- Falcons have issues but Blank may be right about playoff projection
- Full Q&A with Arthur Blank on his health, draft and playoffs
- Arthur Blank: Falcons will be playoff team in 2016
- Magic Johnson pitches for LeBron, Durant to Lakers (uh, tampering?)
- Breaking! Hawks are big underdogs to LeBron James, Cavaliers
- Hawks' defense gets its stiffest test: LeBron James
- One for the history books: Hawks eliminate Celtics
- Have Hawks figured out winning formula?
- Hawks stood tall by going small vs. Celtics
- Falcons needs to get it right with defensive picks
- Braves reportedly have tried to trade Olivera (who has zero value)
About the Author
