MLB puts Braves’ Hector Olivera on leave during domestic violence investigation

Major League Baseball put Atlanta Braves outfielder Hector Olivera on leave Wednesday as it launched an investigation into a domestic violence allegation against him.

Olivera was arrested Wednesday morning at the Braves’ team hotel after a woman called police and said he had assaulted her, Arlington, Va., police spokeswoman Ashley Savage told the Associated Press. Savage said the woman, who had visible bruises, was acquainted with Olivera.

Olivera was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor assault and battery, WJLA-TV reported. Bond was set at $10,000. Under the MLB domestic violence policy, Olivera was put on a seven-day paid administrative leave, allowing the league to gather initial facts. The leave could be extended by Commissioner Rob Manfred.

“We understand most investigations are not going to be completed in seven days, particularly if law enforcement is involved,” MLB chief legal officer Dan Halem said to The Times about the policy last month.

Olivera is the fourth player investigated under the league’s domestic violence policy, introduced last August. New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman accepted a 30-game suspension, Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig was cleared, and Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes remains under investigation.

The Dodgers signed Olivera, 31, as a free agent out of Cuba last May. They traded him to the Braves two months later, as part of an 11-player, three-team trade that brought pitcher Alex Wood to the Dodgers.

“We are extremely disappointed and troubled to learn of the allegations involving Hector Olivera,” the Braves said in a statement. “We will continue to gather information and will address this matter appropriately as we determine the facts.”

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