Washington Nationals infielder Starlin Castro has been suspended 30 games by MLB without pay for violating the league’s domestic violence policy. The Nationals released a statement in conjunction with the suspension announcement, saying the club will be releasing Castro upon the completion of his suspension.
Castro, 31, signed a two-year deal with the Nationals in 2020. The four-time All-Star played 16 games before a fractured wrist cut his first season short. He returned this season to hit .283/.333/.375 with three home runs and 38 RBIs in 87 games.
He was placed on administrative leave on July 16 as the league investigated domestic violence allegations stemming from an incident earlier this summer. Castro had been placed on the restricted list on June 16 for “a family matter.” However, reports suggest the leave and subsequent suspension was not related.
Both Nationals GM Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez long contended that Castro would not be welcomed back to the organization prior to the suspension handed down on Friday.
Castro’s impending departure follows of a slew of moves the Nationals made to reset its future. Washington conducted a fire sale that concluded Thursday with ace Max Scherzer, shortstop Trea Turner, relievers Daniel Hudson and Brad Hand and slugger Kyle Schwarber traded for multiple prospects.
