Odubel Herrera Suspended For Rest Of 2019 Season, Into Next Year

PHILADELPHIA, PA — After weeks of speculation, Phillies outfielder Odubel Herrera has been suspended for the duration of the 2019 season and part of the 2020 season due to a domestic violence incident in May.

The news marks a significant increase from the league's recent domestic violence-related suspensions. Most notably, Chicago Cubs All Star shortstop Addison Russell was suspended for just 40 games following a highly publicized case earlier this year.

The total number of games Herrera will be suspended is 85, meaning his penalty doubles Russell's. It will cover the playoffs, if the Phillies make it. Herrera has agreed not to appeal the suspension, MLB said.

Herrera, 27, was arrested following an incident at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Atlantic City on May 28. Herrera's girlfriend, 20, had "signs of injury" on her arms and neck when police arrived. They said she refused medical attention.

"Today, I accepted a suspension from Major League Baseball resulting from my inappropriate behavior," Herrera said Friday in a statement issued the MLB Players Association. "I acted in an unacceptable manner and am terribly disappointed in myself. I alone am to blame for my actions."

>>Phillies' Odubel Herrera Charged With Domestic Violence

Further details regarding the incident are not clear. Herrera's girlfriend, who left the courthouse holding his hand, later dropped all charges against him, so the case will not proceed in criminal court. However, the league's investigation continued, resulting in Friday's decision. Herrera had been placed on administrative leave ever since the incident.

Herrera added that he'd "taken meaningful steps" following what happened.

"I have learned from this experience, and I have grown as a person," he said. "I apologize to the Phillies' organization, my teammates, and all my fans. I look forward to rejoining the Phillies once my suspension is served and to continuing to work on being a better partner, teammate, and person"

Even once Herrera's suspension is over, his future with the Phillies is doubtful. When the Cubs tendered a contract to Russell earlier this year, it was met with sharp public criticism from many fans. And the Phillies took swift steps to distance themselves from Herrera following the allegations against him, including removal of his banners from inside Citizens Bank Park.

"The Phillies fully support the decison by the Commissioner's Office to suspend Odubel Herrera," the Phillies organization said in a statement Friday. "All instances of domestic violence and abuse are abhorrent and unacceptable, and we unequivocally support Baseball's collective efforts to prevent domestic abuse."

Herrera was once thought to be the Phillies center fielder of the future following three strong campaigns from 2015 to 2017, but his star had faded somewhat before this incident ever occurred. He hit just .222 across 39 games of the 2019 season. Scott Kingery has manned center ever since.

"We are encouraged by Odubel's acceptance of his discipline as an indication of his willingness to learn from this and change his behavior appropriately," the team's statement concluded.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.