Braves OF Hector Olivera Arrested For Assault

Atlanta Braves outfielder Hector Olivera was arrested in suburban Washington on Wednesday after he allegedly assaulted a woman at the team’s hotel. according to Arlington police spokesperson Ashley Savage’s report to USA TODAY Sports.

Braves OF Hector Olivera Arrested For Assault

Olivera was placed on paid leave by MLB on Thursday, pending the outcome of the case, according to a statement.

“Consistent with our Joint Domestic Violence Policy, the player has been placed on administrative leave and the Commissioner’s Office has begun an investigation,” MLB said in a statement received by USA TODAY Sports.

Local Arlington, Va. police responded after a woman at the Ritz Carlton Hotel called 911 to report she had been assaulted at 6:51 am on Wednesday, Savage stated. WJLA-TV first reported in the arrest.

“She had visible bruising,” Savage said, although she added that the injuries she sustained were non life-threatening. The woman was transported to a local hospital and released Wednesday afternoon.

Savage also added that Olivera and the alleged victim were familiar to each other.

After appearing before a magistrate late on Wednesday, the 31-year-old Cuban left fielder who is in his second season with the Braves was officially charged with misdemeanor assault and battery, according to David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His bond was set at $10,000.

The Braves released the following statement: “We are extremely disappointed and troubled to learn of the allegations involving Hector Olivera. We will continue to gather information and will address this matter appropriately as we determine the facts.”

Braves general manager John Coppolella declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

Olivera is now the third player subject to MLB’s domestic violence policy, even if he is not convicted in this case. New York Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman received a 30-game suspension for an incident at his Florida home that did not result in charges. Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes remains on paid leave after he was arrested in October for an incident involving his wife at a Hawaii resort; charges were eventually dropped after she refused to cooperate as a witness.

Olivera was traded to the Braves as part of a six-player deal in July. He played 77 games in 2015 for eight different teams during a seven-month span, including six minor league teams with the Dodgers and Braves.

The Braves are in Washington for a four-game series against the Nationals. The Nationals defeated the Braves 3-2 at Nationals Park in Washington, DC on Wednesday.

ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 02: Hector Olivera #28 of the Atlanta Braves in action against the Florida Marlins at Turner Field on September 2, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena