FILE - In this Feb. 19, 2016, file photo, New York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman throws during a spring training baseball workout, in Tampa, Fla. Aroldis Chapman agreed to accept a 30-game suspension under Major League Baseballs domestic violence policy, a penalty stemming from an incident with his girlfriend last October. Under the discipline announced Tuesday, March 1, 2016, Chapman will serve the penalty from the start of the season in April.(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
His suspension will begin before the Yankees' regular-season opener. However, Chapman can continue to participate in spring training.
Chapman, acquired from the Cincinnati Reds this past offseason, was accused of assaulting his girlfriend during an incident in October, when he also admitted to firing gunshots in his garage. He denied any physical confrontation with his girlfriend that night and isn't facing any criminal charges. However, he is subject to discipline from Commissioner Rob Manfred under MLB's new domestic violence policy. In fact, he is the first player to be suspended until the new policy.
In a statement released Tuesday (see full text below), Manfred said he "found Mr. Chapman's acknowledged conduct on that day to be inappropriate ... particularly his use of a firearm and the impact of that behavior on his partner. I am gratified that Mr. Chapman has taken responsibility for his conduct."
The Yankees also released this brief statement: "The New York Yankees support the decision made by The Commissioner today. We are pleased that Aroldis has accepted this discipline."
On Tuesday, Chapman again stated his innocence in a statement obtained by FOX Sports MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal:
"Today, I accepted a 30 game suspension from Major League Baseball resulting from my actions on October 30, 2015. I want to be clear, I did not in any way harm my girlfriend that evening. However, I should have exercised better judgment with respect to certain actions, and for that I am sorry. The decision to accept a suspension, as opposed to appealing one, was made after careful consideration. I made this decision in an effort to minimize the distractions that an appeal would cause the Yankees, my new teammates and most importantly, my family. I have learned from this matter, and I look forward to being part of the Yankees’ quest for a 28th World Series title. Out of respect for my teammates and my family, I will have no further comment."
The 28-year-old left-hander is under contract through the 2016 season. In 65 relief appearances last season with the Reds, he posted a 1.63 ERA, saved 33 games and struck out 116 batters in 66 1/3 innings.
With Chapman unavailable, the Yankees likely will turn to Andrew Miller in save situations. Miller saved 36 games in his first season with New York in 2015.
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