Washington Nationals second baseman Starlin Castro (13) during the Major League baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals on June 22, 2021 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA.
Rich Grassle | Sportswire icon | Getty Images
The Washington Nationals announced Friday that they would release infielder Starlin Castro after completing a 30-game unpaid ban for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy.
The announcement of the Nationals came right after the 31-year-old Castro was suspended by the MLB.
“We take all allegations of abuse and harassment very seriously,” said the Nationals in a statement about four-time all-star Castro. “We fully support the commissioner’s decision and will release Starlin Castro upon completion of his suspension.”
The Nationals signed Castro on a two-year deal in January 2020.
Team manager Mike Rizzo had said last week that “I don’t plan to have him back this season” after Castro was put on administrative leave by the MLB on July 16 as they investigated allegations against him.
“After reviewing all available evidence, I have come to the conclusion that Mr. Castro has violated our guidelines and that discipline is appropriate,” said MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred Jr.
Castro’s suspension, which begins Friday, also includes an undisclosed fine for violating MLB’s policy on collective domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
The punishment also does not entitle Castro to appear in playoffs or the World Series this season.
Castro is also required to “participate in a confidential and comprehensive assessment and treatment program monitored by the Joint Committee,” said MLB.
During his 12-year MLB career, Castro has played for the Chicago Cubs, Miami Marlins and New York Yankees.
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