Toronto Blue Jays All-Star closer Roberto Osuna remains on paid administrative leave after he was arrested and charged with assaulting a woman in Canada earlier this month.
While a ton of details have not come out regarding the situation in question, this one report from Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports suggests that Osuna could be facing a “significant suspension” from MLB.
“MLB has taken such incidents with the utmost seriousness, and has suspended players even in cases where there was no physical contact alleged,” Heyman noted. “MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has complete latitude based on MLB rules – though the players union can grieve any decision, so rulings are made with their knowledge.”
Examples of suspensions in which no physical violence was said to have occured include Jeurys Famila and Steven Wright, both of the 15-game variety.
Heyman also noted that while Osuna has denied any physical altercation took place, an investigation is continuing in Canada.
Osuna had his leave extended through May 28. At that point, we promise to hear more about what action Major League Baseball and/or the Blue Jays might take. For now, Toronto remains without its best bullpen arm as multiple investigations continue into the matter.