MLB suspends All-Star closer Osuna 75 games over assault charge

Toronto Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna accepted a 75-game suspension from Major League Baseball on Friday in connection with an assault charge.

The 23-year-old right-hander was arrested May 8 and charged with one count of assault in Toronto. The woman who was the alleged victim was not identified, and further details of the case weren't announced.

Osuna would have had the right to appeal his suspension under baseball's collective bargaining agreement, but he waived that possibility, according to a press release from MLB.

The league initially placed Osuna on administrative leave, during which he was paid but could not play, on May 8. The administrative leave subsequently was extended at least four times as MLB investigated the alleged incident.

The suspension was backdated to May 8 and will run through Aug. 4. Terms of Osuna's ban include a "confidential and comprehensive evaluation and treatment program" approved by the Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy board that includes the participation of MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association.

Osuna is due in court on July 9 and will plead not guilty to the charge, according to his lawyer.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement Friday, "My office has completed its investigation into the allegation that Roberto Osuna violated Major League Baseball's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy on May 8, 2018. Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. Osuna violated the Policy and should be subject to discipline in the form of an unpaid suspension that will expire on August 4th."

The Blue Jays issued a statement that read, "The Blue Jays support the decision by the Commissioner's Office to suspend Roberto Osuna. As this remains a legal matter, the club will have no further comment at this time."

Based on his $5.3 million salary for this year, the 75-game suspension will cost Osuna approximately $2.45 million.

Osuna is 9-for-10 in save opportunities this year with no decisions and a 2.93 ERA in 15 appearances. He broke into the majors with Toronto in 2015, when he saved 20 games, and he added 36 saves in 2016 and 39 saves in 2017. He was selected an All-Star for the first time last year.

--Field Level Media