Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna made a brief appearance in court Tuesday related to his case involving two misdemeanor charges following a domestic violence incident with his wife in May. There was no outcome from Tuesday’s hearing. Ozuna is due back in court Sept. 9, following a discovery date of Aug. 24 and a motions date of Aug. 31.
Ozuna faces charges of battery — family violence and simple assault — family violence.
Last month, prosecutors decided not to charge Ozuna with aggravated-assault strangulation, a felony, following the arrest.
A person familiar with the situation said to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution last month that Major League Baseball’s investigation into the case remains ongoing.
Ozuna was arrested in May after Sandy Springs officers reported seeing him choke his wife, throw her against a wall and strike her with the cast on his broken fingers.
At 12:26 p.m., a 911 caller requested officers at a Windsor Cove home because of an assault in progress, Sgt. Salvador Ortega said at the time. When officers arrived at the home, they heard screaming from inside the home and the front door was open, Ortega said.
“Officers entered the residence through the open door and witnessed the suspect grabbing the victim by the neck and throwing her against a wall,” Ortega said in an emailed statement. “Officers were able to immediately take the suspect into custody without further incident. In addition to the strangulation attempts, the suspect also struck the victim with his arm which has a cast from a previous injury.”
Investigators said Ozuna’s wife had visible injuries but did not go to the hospital. Ozuna and his wife are reportedly in the process of getting a divorce.
Police charged Ozuna, 30, with aggravated assault by strangulation and family violence, jail records showed at the time.
The incident occurred days after Ozuna was placed on the injured list after suffering two broken fingers.
In the shortened 2020 season, Ozuna’s offense helped lead the Braves to their third National League East title. After leading the league in homers, Ozuna was re-signed in February. The deal was for four years and $65 million, with a fifth-year team option worth $16 million, and there is a $1 million buyout.
