Familia suspended 15 games by MLB

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Mets closer Jeurys Familia was suspended for 15 games by Major League Baseball on Wednesday for violating the league's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Familia's suspension will begin on Opening Day.
The suspension stems from Familia's Oct. 31 arrest on a simple assault charge. Prosecutors later dropped the charges, and Familia did not stand trial.
In a statement, Commissioner Rob Manfred said that a league investigation "does not support a determination that Mr. Familia physically assaulted his wife, or threatened her or others with physical force or harm. … Nevertheless, I have concluded that Mr. Familia's overall conduct that night was inappropriate, violated the policy, and warrants discipline."
Familia agreed not to appeal the discipline. He remains eligible to participate in all Spring Training exhibition games and activities prior to the Mets' season opener Monday against the Braves.

According to Manfred, Familia has already undergone 12 90-minute counseling sessions with an approved counselor specializing in the area of domestic violence, and received a favorable evaluation from the counselor regarding his willingness to take concrete steps to ensure that he is not involved in another incident of this type. Familia has also agreed to speak to other players about what he has learned through this process, and to donate time and money to local organizations aimed at the prevention of, and the treatment of victims of, domestic violence.
"It is clear that Mr. Familia regrets what transpired that night and takes full responsibility for his actions," Manfred wrote.
Familia also issued a statement, via the MLB Players Association:
"With all that has been written and discussed regarding this matter, it is important that it be known that I never physically touched, harmed or threatened my wife that evening," Familia wrote. "I did, however, act in an unacceptable manner and am terribly disappointed in myself. I am alone to blame for the problems of that evening.
"My wife and I cooperated fully with Major League Baseball's investigation, and I've taken meaningful steps to assure that nothing like this will ever happen again. I have learned from this experience, and have grown as a husband, a father, and a man. I apologize to the Mets' organization, my teammates, and all my fans. I look forward to rejoining the Mets and being part of another World Series run. Out of respect for my teammates and my family, I will have no further comment."

In Familia's absence, the Mets plan to use Addison Reed as their closer, with Fernando Salas and Jerry Blevins sliding into Reed's setup role. Reed, who posted a 1.97 ERA last season, was a full-time closer for the White Sox and D-backs from 2012-14.
"This guy pitched huge innings for us in the eighth inning last year," Collins said. "I think he can certainly pitch the ninth."